type of doctorate in education

6 types of Ed.D. programs—and how to choose the right one for you

A doctorate in education, or Ed.D., is a degree that focuses on preparing students for academic and administrative roles in K-12, higher education, as well as business. Graduates of Ed.D. programs can help improve practices and systems in a variety of fields—which helps explain why enrollment in these programs is surging .   

As interest in this doctorate degree has grown, so too has the number of programs and available concentrations, with options that are geared toward students from different career paths. One commonality among the various Ed.D. concentrations is these programs prepare students for leadership positions where they will have the opportunity to improve educational systems.

Earn an Ed.D. Online—Lead Change in Your Industry

“Students can be from higher ed, but they can also be in other fields where they can benefit from not only the doctorate but understanding how learning can improve,” says Tracy Poon Tambascia, a professor of clinical education in the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. Students come from a variety of backgrounds beyond education, including human resources, museum curation, and the military. “They take what they’re learning from an Ed.D. , which is focused on learning but not necessarily in a school or university, and learn how to effect change within those organizations.” 

With more than a handful of options, it’s important to consider your career goals when evaluating various Ed.D. programs. Here’s what you need to know about six of the most common concentrations. 

1. Organizational change and leadership

An Ed.D. in organizational change and leadership has broad applicability, often beyond the field of education. That’s one reason this concentration was the focus of Fortune’s first-ever ranking of online Ed.D. programs . 

“Our students in organizational change and leadership come from more diverse professional backgrounds,” says Tambascia, adding that this concentration has deep professional diversity, drawing students from school settings, as well as former or current military, law enforcement, and non-for-profits. “I worked with a student who’s an aerospace engineer,” she adds.

Best for: Students with a business or professional background. “You might benefit from learning from others who also work in more business or non-school settings,” Tambascia notes.

2. Entrepreneurial leadership

Entrepreneurial leadership programs focus on finding innovative solutions that can be applied to non-for-profits, schools, as well as startups. Courses in this concentration examine challenges in educational environments across industries and settings. 

Instead of trying to find a general “right” answer that applies to every context and population, students learn analyze specific challenges critically, synthesize data, and look beyond what has typically been considered the right answer so that students can explore new solutions, says Laura Flores Shaw, interim director of the online doctor of education program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

These students also learn to create a plan of action and use financial models to run a profitable business.There is a limited number of entrepreneurial leadership programs. Courses include data driven decision making and organizational finance.

Best for: Students who are executive-level professionals from a range of industries interested in education and learning, as well as startups and business. 

3. Curriculum and instruction

Students focusing on curriculum and instruction in Ed.D. programs learn how to design a curriculum to address specific challenges or improve programs of study. Students may address educational challenges, such as teaching underserved educational populations. More broadly, doctorate students also learn how to improve areas of study, such as math and science or language.

Best for: Graduates of Ed.D. programs in curriculum and instruction typically work in K-12 settings, higher education, educational policy roles, or research institutions.

4. Educational leadership

Students who enroll in educational leadership typically arrive with prior work experience in early care and education, public schools, higher education, or community education. This type of Ed.D. program is created for university and high school teachers and leaders who want to prepare themselves to lead at the school district or university system level, Tambascia notes.

Aside from the core curriculum, students choose classes that will help them prepare for educational group or administrative roles.

Best for: Students who want to be in an environment with other educators. In these programs, students usually also earn a superintendent certification or principal certification along with an Ed.D. degree. Graduates may go on to become a K-12 school administrator, the head of a community college, or a leader in a government agency. 

5. Educational technology

In educational technology programs, students focus on learning how to create and implement technology-driven solutions for a variety of settings, which include grades from K-12, as well as higher education, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to solving challenges by using technology, students in educational technology learn how to improve online and e-learning methodologies, which have become increasingly common as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best for: Students who want to lead, manage, and attain decision-making roles in K-12 school settings, higher education, as well as corporations and non-for-profit organizations and leverage technology to improve education. 

6. Global executive program

The global executive program is an accelerated year-round Ed.D. offering for those people with a high level of leadership experience. “They are oftentimes very senior people in the government working in education,” says Tambascia. These positions include the ministry of education and university leaders in the U.S. and overseas, she adds. 

This program has a global component and the student body is made of people from across the globe or students who have had international experience. “We’re specifically looking to create a cohort of students with diverse backgrounds, and by that we mean they may be U.S.-based, but they may have lived in Vietnam for 30 years,” says Tambascia. 

While global Ed.D. programs can be offered online, they may have an international component in which students have the option to travel as a group for one week each semester and learn about a country’s specific approach to education. 

Best for:  This concentration is best for “people with quite a bit of senior leadership and professional experience who want to understand policy and problem solving around education in a global context,” notes Tambascia.

How to choose the right Ed.D. program for you

The variety of Ed.D. programs allows you to tackle education from different perspectives and surround yourself with a cohort of students with whom you will create a learning environment geared for the type of professional outcome you are seeking. If you are unclear about what path to take, talk to a mentor or admissions counselor to discuss which Ed.D. program is best for you and take note of which one seems more interesting and exciting for you.

Check out all of  Fortune’ s  rankings of degree programs , and learn more about specific  career paths .

A USC Rossier EdD Program – Delivered online

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Doctoral programs.

The goal of the GSE PhD in Education is to prepare the next generation of leading education researchers. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Education is the research apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well.

In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a multi-year funding package that consists of opportunities each quarter to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the courses they take as part of their program, students are prepared over an approximately five-year period to excel as university teachers and education researchers.

The doctoral degree in Education at the GSE includes doctoral program requirements as well as a specialization, as listed below, overseen by a faculty committee from one of the GSE's three academic areas.

Doctoral programs by academic area

Curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

• ‌ Elementary Education
• ‌ History/Social Science Education
• ‌ Learning Sciences and Technology Design
• ‌ Literacy, Language, and English Education
• ‌ Mathematics Education
• ‌ Science, Engineering and Technology Education
• ‌ Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• ‌ Teacher Education

Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS)

• ‌ Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)

• ‌ Anthropology of Education
• ‌ Economics of Education
• ‌ Education Data Science
• ‌ ‌Educational Linguistics
• ‌ Educational Policy
• ‌ Higher Education
• ‌ History of Education
• ‌ International Comparative Education
• ‌ Organizational Studies
• ‌ Philosophy of Education
• ‌ Sociology of Education

Cross-area specializations

Learning sciences and technology design (lstd).

LSTD allows doctoral students to study learning sciences and technology design within the context of their primary program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Race, Inequality, and Language in Education (RILE)

RILE trains students to become national leaders in conducting research on how race, inequality, and language intersect to make both ineffective and effective educational opportunities. RILE allows students to specialize within their program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Other academic opportunities

• ‌ Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies
• ‌ PhD Minor in Education
• ‌ Stanford Doctoral Training Program in Leadership for System-wide Inclusive Education (LSIE)
• ‌ Certificate Program in Partnership Research in Education
• ‌ Public Scholarship Collaborative

“I came to Stanford to work with faculty who value learning in informal settings and who are working to understand and design for it.”

Doctoral graduates were employed within four months of graduation

of those employed worked in organizations or roles related to education

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To learn more about the Academic Services team:

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EdDPrograms.org

25 Best Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

Learn more about admission requirements and doctorate in education specializations & coursework. And ask yourself the hard questions about earning an Ed.D. before you apply for program in your area.

Updated with 2024 Rankings on March 1, 2024

What is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)?

A Doctor of Education is a practice-based, research-driven qualification that will prepare you for leadership roles within your school or organization. During this terminal degree, you’ll often be exploring topics such as educational leadership, effective learning strategies, curriculum design, educational policy, organizational management, and more. Before you even graduate, you’ll be able to apply this newfound knowledge to real-life challenges in your workplace.

Because of its popularity, Schools of Education now offer scores of career-focused Ed.D. specializations. For example:

• A teacher might opt to major in Curriculum and Instruction.
• An education administrator or aspiring superintendent might choose Educational Leadership.
• A college or university professional might land on a specialization in Higher Education.
• A nursing director, military officer, or business executive might be interested in Organizational Leadership.

Explore the detailed descriptions in our on-campus & hybrid rankings to learn more about how each program is structured.

Best Ed.D. Rankings: On-Campus & Hybrid

You may have seen a number of “Best Ed.D.” lists elsewhere in the metaverse. So what are the unique ingredients that go into the rankings of our Top 25 Doctor of Education programs?

• First, we analyzed Times Higher Education (THE) & U.S. News and World Report rankings for graduate education programs, including rankings in specific fields (e.g. higher education administration).
• Using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data, we factored student completion rates into our algorithm.
• We also made sure to include data on acceptance rates and earnings for education doctorate graduates from each school.
• Finally, we considered positive signals across these categories. Schools that only did well in one area didn’t necessarily make our rankings. Instead, schools that did well across the board earned the highest scores.

As you’ll discover, we’re highlighting doctorates that are on-campus or hybrid. These innovative programs often combine weekly evening or weekend coursework with summer residencies. Anyone looking to compare virtual options can browse through our separate rankings of the Best Online Ed.D. Programs in the USA.

How Our Placements Changed in 2024

Our Best Ed.D. rankings had a facelift in 2024! Although the big-name players still dominate our top 10, they’ve been joined by even more schools with a history of positive student outcomes, CAEP accreditation, and membership in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) . Here are a few highlights from our profiles:

• Even though it offers only one Doctor of Education, Harvard has muscled aside the other Ivies and climbed to #1 this year.
• Experienced CPED members like Texas A&M University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Denver have joined our rankings!
• Hybrid learning is gradually replacing 100% campus instruction—just be aware that you’ll still need to commute to class.
• Schools of Education are freshening up their offerings. UCLA now puts more of an emphasis on social justice; Michigan State has an unusual new program for higher education professionals.
• Many schools have been dropping niche programs and focusing more on leadership majors.

We’ve also modified our profiles to give you a better sense of the school’s strengths in research, outreach, and subject matter. Urban leadership, national educational policy, AI & technology integration, race research, higher education initiatives—whatever you’re interested in, there is a superb Ed.D. program to match.

Top Schools with Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

25 university of southern california.

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Concentrations)

Why Choose USC’s Ed.D. Program?

It’s a name—a big name. The USC Rossier School of Education is a juggernaut in the Los Angeles area. In addition to founding Ednovate in 2012, it has developed long-running partnerships & programs with the Los Angeles Unified School District. It’s strong on equity-focused higher education , urban issues, and education psychology research. It receives outstanding reviews from graduate students. And it’s now collaborating with the USC Institute for Creative Technologies and Army University on the AI Research Center of Excellence for Education . The only big downside is the price.

Ed.D. Offerings at USC

Los Angeles educators in USC’s cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (EDL) can choose to focus on one of 4 concentrations: Educational Psychology, Higher Education Administration, K-12 Leadership in Urban Education or Leading Instructional Change. Classes are weekly & evening-based and all applicants are automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships of $10,000.

Check the concentration descriptions to learn more about the Dissertation in Practice (DiP)—they vary in format. For example, Higher Education Ed.D. and K-12 Leadership students finish with a traditional 5-chapter dissertation. But Educational Psychology students can focus on a design curriculum that addresses an existing problem of practice.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? USC also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

Learn More About the Ed.D. Program:

• USC Rossier School of Education
• Ed.D. Admissions
• Ed.D. Tuition

24 University of Denver

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
• Ed.D. in Higher Education

Why Choose DU’s Ed.D. Program?

DU’s Morgridge College of Education is a quiet overachiever. It’s an Experienced CPED member with an impressive track record in community engagement and an intriguing assortment of faculty research projects . The gung-ho Center for Rural School Health & Education (CRSHE) is currently collaborating with 50+ school districts in Colorado. Morgridge professors are working with Denver Public Schools on initiatives like the Black Student Success (BSS) team and School Psychology Inclusive Rural and Innovative Training (SPIRIT). And in 2023, the Marsico Institute for Early Learning became an official DU Research Institute.

Ed.D. Offerings at DU

The 3-year, cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is geared toward educators with principal, teacher-leadership, or other formal leadership preparation. It’s a CPED-inspired doctorate, so you can expect a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) with field research in Morgridge’s partner schools and districts. There’s also an optional six-credit hour administrator internship for those who are pursuing an Administrative License through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

Your other option at DU is the Ed.D. in Higher Education . This is not a “sit back” doctorate in education—you’ll be expected to consult for Denver-area colleges and universities, tackling a real-life problem of practice in executive leadership and creating an actionable report. Ed.D. students are also encouraged to take part in internships, present at conferences, and collaborate with professors on projects. View the higher education faculty profiles to explore their research interests.

• Morgridge College of Education

23 University of Central Florida

• Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Why Choose UCF’s Ed.D. Program?

Commitment. That’s the word for UCF’s College of Community Innovation & Education (CCIE) . Not only does the CCIE support a Holmes Scholars program for underrepresented Ed.D. & Ph.D. students, it won the 2024 Outstanding Holmes Program award from the AACTE. We applaud it for supporting research centers on literacy, students with disabilities, and virtual technologies. But we particularly love the fact that the UCF Center for Community Schools champions a holistic model of improvement that involves collaboration between a school district, a community-based nonprofit, a healthcare provider, and UCF. In October 2023, the Center got a $3.9 million funding boost from Florida’s legislature.

Ed.D. Offerings at UCF

UCF’s high-flying Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is available in two concentrations: the 63-credit Higher Education track and the 3-year, 54-credit Executive track for PK-12 professionals. Higher Education students will emerge with a traditional dissertation. Executive Ed.D. students tackle a Dissertation in Practice/field project report that focuses on a complex problem in an education organization.

Alternatively, you could consider the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (or it’s online counterpart ). You’ll be able to select a 12-credit specialization in a wide range of disciplines—including Instructional Design and Technology, Educational Psychology, TESOL, Reading Education, and more. And you’ll be challenged to complete a 3-credit Laboratory of Practice/field-based experience and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

• College of Community Innovation & Education (CCIE)

22 Georgia State University

Why choose georgia state’s ed.d. program.

If you live anywhere near Atlanta, you’ll already know about the College of Education & Human Development . The College has been producing star-quality teachers for decades—more than 90% end up in the Metro Atlanta area and more than 85% are employed in urban high need schools. But it’s also big enough and prestigious enough to have received $29.8 million in funding in 2023 for its research & outreach initiatives . It fosters centers in urban educational excellence and principalship . It funds Ph.D. students through the Dean’s Research Doctoral Fellowship . And it supports a massive alumni network .

Ed.D. Offerings at Georgia State

Senior-level administrators in the PreK-20 arena will find Georgia State’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership can be adapted to most any situation. Concentrations include Advanced Leadership, Higher Education, and Tier II for Georgia educators. The program hits all the major bases, including central office leadership, and it includes a unique dissertation. After choosing a current issue in educational leadership policy and/or practice, Ed.D. students will be expected to create a literature review and research paper for publication in professional journals.

Aspiring instructional leaders and curriculum specialists in Georgia also have the option to pursue the cohort-based Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction in almost any K-12 subject imaginable! We’re particularly pleased that this doctorate includes a school-based residency requirement, professional engagement activities (e.g. conference presentations), study abroad opportunities, and the chance to add the curriculum and instruction certificate Service Level 7 to your résumé.

• College of Education & Human Development

21 University of Illinois Chicago

• Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership

Why Choose UIC’s Ed.D. Program?

UIC is one of our top picks for urban educators! The College of Education has an abiding commitment to African American & Latine education and community engagement . It has a highly active & award-winning Center for Urban Education Leadership (CUEL) that’s helping to transform Chicago Public Schools (CPS). It offers scores of rigorous Ph.D. programs. And it’s putting educational leaders to work. 1 out of every 11 CPS principals prepared for their job at UIC. Take a look at the section on recent research grants to learn more about Ed.D. faculty interests. A number of their projects involve wide-scale leadership & policy issues.

Ed.D. Offerings at UIC

The flagship program at UIC is the cohort-based Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership , designed for aspiring and current school principals. After the first 1.5 years of coursework and supervised practicum experiences, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Illinois Principal Endorsement. After another 2.5-3 years and a culminating capstone, you’ll have a doctorate that has been recognized as an Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Program by the UCEA. You may even wish to add on a few courses to earn the Illinois Superintendent Endorsement. This is a competitive program, so get your ducks in a row before applying.

• College of Education

20 University of Pittsburgh

• View All Hybrid Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose Pitt’s Ed.D. Program?

Connections! Pitt’s School of Education has a global alumni network of 32,000+ educators and a vibrant calendar of networking events for graduate students. Pitt is also an excellent pick if you’re involved in inner city leadership and Black education in Pennsylvania. The Center for Urban Education (CUE) has been active since 2003 and it hosts an educator forum every summer. Take a moment to investigate the Practices of Freedom Project and the PittEd Justice Collective . The Collective has spearheaded efforts such as the Higher Education and Racism Initiative (HEAR), which enables graduate students to publish research on institutional anti-racism in colleges and universities.

Ed.D. Offerings at Pitt

Another bonus? Pitt’s 3-year Hybrid Ed.D. Program is available in a dizzying array of topics, including majors in Education Leadership, Higher Education, and Urban Education. All Ed.D. students participate in a full-day campus orientation, a one-week campus experience, online coursework, and monthly visits to the campus (usually on Saturdays).

Although each major is different, the plan of study is guided by improvement science and applied research—Pitt has been a CPED member since 2010. You’ll also take part in a Laboratory of Practice and complete a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). The Lab is available as a job-embedded, aspirant, or global studies experience.

• School of Education

19 Texas A&M University – College Station

• Ed.D. in Educational Administration: PK-12 Educational Leadership

Why Choose TAMU’s Ed.D. Program?

You’ll be among heady company when you choose TAMU’s School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) for your doctorate! 25% of its students are first generation and almost a quarter are Latino. It’s a particularly strong pick for educators in multilingual settings. The School supports research centers in urban schools, technology-infused learning, and dual language & literacy acquisition. It’s invested in programs like the Project Enhancing Quality Teacher Preparation Through Research-based Instructional Best Practices for Bilingual and English Learners (EBEST) . And it has thousands of alumni working in Texas schools.

Ed.D. Offerings at TAMU

Aspiring school leaders who live in Texas should apply for the Ed.D. in Educational Administration: PK-12 Educational Leadership . This cohort-based, weekend program fulfills the requirements for Superintendent Certification in the state of Texas and meets State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) standards for the superintendent certificate. For your final project, you can tackle a district analysis/redesign, a set of journal-ready articles, or a traditional dissertation.

• School of Education & Human Development

18 Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus

• Ed.D. in Comparative and International Education (CIED)
• Ed.D. in Higher Education (HIED)
• Ed.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

Why Choose Penn State’s Ed.D. Program?

A global outlook on education. Unique dual degrees. A firm commitment to social equity . These are just three of the reasons Penn State’s College of Education should be on your shortlist. We’re deeply impressed by the sheer variety of faculty projects and the work being done in the College’s many research centers & institutes . From civil rights and educational disparities to rural education and adult literacy, Penn State scholars are involved in nearly every aspect of learning. The College supports a Humphrey Fellowship for international mid-career professionals. It offers plenty of graduate scholarships . And it runs an alumni mentoring program . What’s not to like?

Ed.D. Offerings at Penn State

PreK-12 educators & administrators in Pennsylvania can investigate the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership . It’s a sturdy offering that covers everything from law and policy to organizational theory & practice. You may even wish to take advantage of the Joint Law Degree and Educational Leadership Program . Planning on working overseas? Be sure to consider the Ed.D. in Comparative and International Education . This unusual dual degree explores the analysis & operation of world education systems.

It doesn’t stop at high school! The College of Education also offers an Ed.D. in Higher Education that puts a premium on flexibility—an advisor will work with you to design an individualized program of study. In the Ed.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education , you’ll dig into topics such as family literacy, adult learning theory, and program planning.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? Penn State also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

17 University of Georgia

• View All On-Campus & Hybrid Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose UGA’s Ed.D. Program?

Engagement is at the heart of UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education . The College has invested a great deal into its outreach units and it’s doing some fascinating work in autism research and Latino achievement & success . Check out the currently funded research projects , including deep-dives into STEM topics. Student reviews of the College are glowing. Faculty are often praised for their helpfulness and passion. And diversity is prioritized. In addition to hosting an annual DEI Conference , the College runs a Graduate Students of Color Research Mentoring Program and Holmes Scholar Program for historically underrepresented doctoral students.

Ed.D. Offerings at UGA

School and district administrators in the Georgia area are welcome to explore the 3-year, cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership . This innovative program includes blended coursework, an Advanced Leadership Residency with 750 hours of fieldwork, and an action research dissertation. Teachers even have the option to advance their practice with a doctorate in science education or music education .

Working in the realms of higher education? Consider the 2-year Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management , with weekend campus intensives, leadership seminars, and an experiential trip abroad. Cohorts begin each January. The College also offers doctoral programs in adult learning and workforce issues & policy , as well as a hands-on Ed.D. in Student Affairs Leadership that features supervised internships and occasional campus meetings.

16 Ohio State University – Main Campus

• Ed.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Administration
• Ed.D. in Educational Studies: Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA)
• Ed.D. in Kinesiology: Physical Education

Why Choose Ohio State’s Ed.D. Program?

It may not be big, but Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) punches above its weight. The College has an abiding commitment to early childhood education ; it even has its own School for Early Learning. Run your eyes down the list of faculty research interests and you’ll also notice strengths in urban education, adolescent & at-risk youth, and social justice. There are multiple opportunities for Ed.D. students to get involved in EHE graduate groups & forums . You may even wish to contribute to the EHE’s Inspire Podcast series.

Ed.D. Offerings at Ohio State

Ohio educators will find two sturdy options in the Department of Educational Studies . The cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Administration is built on the department’s P.L.A.C.E. Framework. This 3-year program makes a point of applying “practice, planning, and problem-solving” to real-life issues encountered in professional settings. In contrast, the Ed.D. in Educational Studies: Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) trains mid-career college & university administrators in the skills needed to reform organizations, improve learning, and evaluate teachers.

Unusually, Ohio State also offers an education doctorate in physical education. Current K-12 PE teachers can up their game with the Ed.D. in Kinesiology: Physical Education , offered by the Department of Human Sciences. For the final project, this Ed.D. degree contains a thesis or a non-thesis option.

• College of Education and Human Ecology

15 University of Virginia

• Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision (Hybrid)

Why Choose UVA’s Ed.D. Program?

It’s no wonder that U.S. News and World Report ranks UVA’s School of Education and Human Development as one of the best in the country. It’s keen on community outreach and rich in interdisciplinary research centers & labs . We especially want to highlight its work on the Partnership for Leaders in Education (PLE) initiative. By combining savvy business advice and thoughtful education research, PLE is turning around struggling schools. Over a multi-year timeline, K-12 administrators and teacher leaders learn how to implement system-wide and school changes that are in tune with their community’s needs.

Ed.D. Offerings at UVA

If you’re lucky enough to live in Virginia, UVA has two content-rich & practice-focused Ed.D. programs. In lieu of a dissertation, all Ed.D. students at UVA complete a capstone project. With small cohorts and monthly Saturday meetings, the Hybrid Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision is an ideal choice for the working professional looking to finish a doctorate within 4 years. Or you could consider the innovative and part-time Ed.D. in Higher Education , with service projects and a content minor of your choice.

• School of Education and Human Development

14 Indiana University Bloomington

Why choose iub’s ed.d. program.

IUB isn’t resting on its laurels! The energetic School of Education supports a huge range of undergraduate & graduate programs, backed by 120+ faculty members with interests in everything from art education to Chinese ESL. Browse through the faculty bookshelf to learn more. As an Ed.D. student, you can explore ways to become involved in the School’s global engagement projects, learn from its current research initiatives (e.g. Equity in Action), or help develop its PK-12 outreach . The possibilities are practically endless. If you need a hand in navigating your choices, reach out to graduates. The School has a massive alumni network .

Ed.D. Offerings at IUB

Like many schools, IUB offers a cohort-based Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Leadership —for K-12 leaders and aspiring superintendents who wish to dive deep into senior-level issues—and a similar Ed.D. in Higher Education for college and university administrators. The Educational Leadership program takes ~3 years to complete. Higher education students who are able to identify a dissertation topic by the end of their second year can finish the Ed.D. degree in 3-4 years.

13 The University of Texas at Austin

• Ed.D. in Cooperative Superintendency
• Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership (Hybrid)

Why Choose UT Austin’s Ed.D. Program?

Yes, UT Austin is one of the best public universities in the country. And, sure, the College of Education has outstanding rankings across the board. But what truly impresses us is how much effort they’ve put into improving the lives of students in their state. Half of its research centers & institutes are focused on Texas educational challenges. The College runs the University of Texas at Austin High School Special Purpose District (UTHSD) . It’s using GEAR UP Partnership grants to support college readiness among underrepresented students in Central and Deep East Texas. And it’s advocating for research-driven policy changes.

Ed.D. Offerings at UT Austin

Aspiring superintendents and chief executives in Texas state education agencies should put UT Austin’s cohort-based Cooperative Superintendency Program on their shortlist. This highly-ranked Ed.D. readies leaders for the mercurial world of public education systems. You’ll take classes like School Restructuring & Renewal and School District Functions and complete a Superintendent Practicum. It takes 30 months/2.5 years to complete.

If you’re aiming for executive or high-level administration roles in education, you can apply to the Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership . In this blended doctorate, you’ll learn about technology in education, student success and learning, and policy and governance from a renowned and diverse faculty. Some e-learning components are offered alongside on-campus work.

• Executive Ed.D. Tuition

12 University of Maryland-College Park

• Ed.D. in School System Leadership (Hybrid)

Why Choose UMD’s Ed.D. Program?

Over the years, UMD’s College of Education has been building up a rock-solid reputation for quality. Alumni praise the encouraging advisors, excellent staff, and flexibility of programs for working educators. (Reviews of the Ph.D. programs are not as fulsome.) Thanks to its position as a major research university near Washington, D.C., UMD has plenty of resources available for practice-based investigations. Within its research centers , you’ll find work on urban initiatives and innovation & improvement in public schools. Within the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, you’ll encounter Dr. Sophia Rodriguez and her ImmigrantEdNext lab . The College also hosts a huge number of colloquiums, conferences & events .

Ed.D. Offerings at UMD

UMD’s 3-year doctorate in education is ideal for Maryland K-12 administrators who wish to tackle current school system challenges, collaborate with like-minded peers, and implement system improvement initiatives. Better yet, this Ed.D. is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education for Superintendent II Certification.

The cohort-based Hybrid Ed.D. in School System Leadership is offered in a blended format, with all-day Saturday seminars and online modules. It contains an 8-credit apprenticeship. And—in lieu of a dissertation—it features a real-world capstone project. Bear in mind that you must have Maryland Administrator I Certification or the equivalent to apply.

11 Michigan State University

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: K-12 Administration (Hybrid)
• Ed.D. in Leadership for Equity-Minded Change in Postsecondary Education

Why Choose MSU’s Ed.D Program?

It’s easy to fall in love with MSU’s College of Education ! It has a superb national reputation . It makes a point of partnering with Michigan schools on outreach programs. And faculty within its Department of Educational Administration (EAD) are refreshingly diverse. MSU is an especially strong pick for educational leaders with STEM and urban interests. The College funds a dynamic Create for STEM Institute and a number of its current research projects revolve around improving math & science literacy. It has also developed an innovative Urban Educators Cohort Program and Urban Immersion Fellowship for teaching students.

Ed.D. Offerings at MSU

The EAD supports two Ed.D. programs. The 3-year Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: K-12 Administration aims to develop diverse leaders for Michigan schools and community organizations. This CPED-approved program blends face-to-face and online learning with summer intensives. In the third year of the program, group capstone projects bring a team of students face-to-face with a community problem of practice. Ed.D. students will also be prepared to meet the standards for achieving Michigan Central Office Administrator (COA) certification.

In 2024, the EAD launched a new degree—the on-campus and cohort-based Ed.D. in Leadership for Equity-Minded Change in Postsecondary Education for higher education professionals. Over the course of 3 years, students in this program will be able to collaborate together on higher education challenges, complete an individual Dissertation in Practice (DiP), and design & sequence a common 45-credit curriculum. This engaging program is the brainchild of MSU’s Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) unit, supported by the Center for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE) .

10 Boston College

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (PSAP)

Why Choose BC’s Ed.D. Program?

It’s no accident that BC’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development prioritizes holistic learning, equity, and community outreach! Jesuit schools have a long history of thinking beyond the classroom. Skim through the section on centers & initiatives and you’ll find innovative work being done in international higher education, educational policy, equitable instruction, and Catholic education. Follow the breadcrumbs to the section on Urban Outreach Initiatives and you’ll discover details on the School’s work with mental health and K-12 teacher education.

Ed.D. Offerings at BC

BC’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a Professional School Administrator Program (PSAP) for systems-level educational leaders and aspiring superintendents. It’s an on-campus, cohort-based doctorate that’s been shaped by CPED principles and refined through consultation with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and the Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) at William James College. On a full-time schedule, you can earn this Ed.D. in 3 years.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? BC also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

• Lynch School of Education and Human Development

9 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Why choose uiuc’s ed.d. program.

If you can dream it, UIUC can help you build it. The College of Education has created scores of Ed.D. programs in curriculum & instruction, learning design, language & literacy—the list goes on. In 2023, the College had 70+ tenure-track faculty members (including 30% from underrepresented populations), $74 million in active grants, 1,500+ graduate students, and more than 36,000 alumni. Read the Impact Report and be amazed by the work in AI and embodied & immersive technologies. Pay a visit to the research section and be astounded by the sheer number of centers and faculty-helmed research sites .

Ed.D. Offerings at UIUC

The first place to start is UIUC’s program finder . This will give you an overview of the possibilities. There are plenty of conventional offerings, such as the Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration & Leadership with optional principal or superintendent endorsements. But you may wish to specialize in a field such as diversity & equity and apply a completely fresh way of thinking to your work in P-16 learning environments.

Keep in mind, too, that plans of study & delivery methods will vary widely. For example, students in the on-campus Ed.D. in Higher Education can “build their own” curriculum—only a few research courses are mandatory.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? UIUC also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

8 University of California Berkeley

• Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) Ed.D. (Hybrid)

Why Choose Berkeley’s Ed.D. Program?

Mention the Berkeley School of Education (BSE) to anyone in the world of education and watch their expressions turn to respect. Founded in 1889, this School has seasoned & diverse faculty , abiding research interests in the intersection of technology with education , and a flurry of positive reviews from alumni. It oversees initiatives in literacy & academic talent development. It collaborates with other top-tier California universities on the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) project. And it’s part of an amazing network of university and community partners called UC-Links . Check out their innovative programs .

Ed.D. Offerings at Berkeley

There is only one Ed.D. offering at Berkeley, but, boy, is it spectacular! The competitive, cohort-based LEAD doctorate only admits 10-12 students every other year. It’s available in a hybrid format, which means you’ll be required to attend a 4-week summer intensive and 20 all-day sessions (14 Saturdays and 6 Fridays) each year. Some—but not all—weekday courses (late afternoon & evening) are available online. You can work full-time while you study.

You’ll follow a 3-year plan of study, tackling 3 core courses each semester in the first year. Berkeley’s innovative doctorate in education also includes research seminars, LEAD field visits, and a dissertation that’s explicitly designed for submission to journals. Graduates of the LEAD program pursue leadership positions in school districts (e.g. superintendent), as well as C-level roles in non-profit leadership, policy, global educational ventures, and more.

• Berkeley School of Education
• LEAD Frequently Asked Questions

7 University of California – Los Angeles

Why choose ucla’s ed.d. program.

Practice, practice, practice—UCLA’s School of Education & Information Studies (ED&IS) has been sounding the drum for real-world research for decades. The School has created a constellation of K-12 Teaching Schools , which act as sites for research-practice partnerships. It has significant stakes in 20+ centers & labs . Plus it’s the home of the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) and its Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP). This is the largest and oldest empirical study of higher education in the country. Be sure to reach out to current Ed.D. students for their opinions—UCLA lists contact info in its student directory .

Ed.D. Offerings at UCLA

Although it tends to focus more on Ph.D. and M.Ed. programs, the Department of Education does offer one education doctorate—the urban-focused Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for PK-16 professionals. This program melds experiential learning and practice. It also contains strong elements of social justice leadership, anti-racism, and diversity. Because of its flexibility, Ed.D. graduates can work in community colleges, universities, school districts, educational associations, and the like.

Wondering how it will fit in your busy schedule? The 3-year doctorate contains classes on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. In the first year, you’ll work to improve your research skills and educational practices—coursework covers topics like education law, policy, and educational enterprises. In the second year, you’ll focus heavily on research, equity-centered leadership and field experiences. The third year includes a dissertation practicum.

• School of Education & Information Studies (ED&IS)

6 University of Washington – Seattle Campus

• Ed.D. in Leadership for Learning (L4L)
• Ed.D. in Teacher Education & Teacher Learning

Why Choose UW’s Ed.D. Program?

UW’s College of Education is small enough to have a friendly feel and large enough to support 125+ faculty and scores of research centers . Better yet, 43% of the College’s students identify as BIPOC and—since 2006—9 alumni have been named Washington State Principal of the Year. We love the fact that graduate students praise the support of advisors and the care that goes into programs. And we celebrate the College’s commitment to outreach. It has developed 300+ partnerships with schools and communities, including unique initiatives such as the District Leadership Design Lab (DL2) .

Ed.D. Offerings at UW

The Ed.D. in Leadership for Learning (L4L) is designed for professionals in K-12 school systems. From summer leadership institutes to a 360-hour internship, this cohort-based Ed.D. degree is designed to be challenging. There will be coursework in equitable systems and inquiry-focused leadership, online learning experiences, and a rigorous capstone. You’ll also have the option of earning Washington State Superintendent or Program Administrator certification.

Or you could consider personalizing your studies with the Ed.D. in Teacher Education & Teacher Learning . This program focuses on the transformation of educational systems and explores enactments of justice from communities, families, youth, and teachers. Doctoral students are allowed to work with UW advisors to create a tailor-made plan of study.

5 Vanderbilt University

• Ed.D. in K-12 and Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Why Choose Vanderbilt’s Ed.D. Program?

Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development has one of the best reputations for education in the country—and it lives up to it. Faculty efforts to advance the fields of leadership & policy are backed by tangible results and initiatives like The Possibilities Project (TPP) . Coursework is evidence-based. And alumni can be found across the country. Be sure to talk to the program coordinator about your professional interests. Peabody has thrown its weight behind all kinds of research centers, including race research & justice and PEER , a research-practice partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Ed.D. Offerings at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s Ed.D. programs are housed in the Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations (LPO) . Anyone in the Tennessee area should consider the on-campus Ed.D. in Leadership and Policy . It’s available in a K-12 or Higher Education concentration. For 3 years, you’ll attend courses on Friday evenings and Saturdays, explore the realms of advanced leadership, learning & performance, and collaborate with your cohort. The degree culminates in a year-long capstone project.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? Vanderbilt also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

• Peabody College of Education and Human Development

4 New York University

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• Ed.D. in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities
• Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

Why Choose NYU’s Ed.D. Program?

Starry student reviews. A global reputation for excellence. A commitment to holistic learning and interdisciplinary collaborations. That’s why NYU Steinhardt is consistently in the top 5 of our Ed.D. rankings, year after year. Visit the research section and learn more about Steinhardt’s work on equity & transformation in New York City schools. Attend the in-person events or conferences . Read through the bios of education & leadership faculty . Whether you’re on the verge of applying for a directorial position or seeking to advance your career in theatre education, Steinhardt is ready to assist.

Ed.D. Offerings at NYU

Steinhardt offers two in-person doctorates for K-20 educators. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is available in a full-time or part-time plan of study, with coursework that covers everything from educational reform to policy analysis. In contrast, the cohort-based Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is delivered in a 3-year, part-time plan of study. It’s packed with engaging elements, including a 2-week research design workshop and a culminating prospectus & workplace project.

Best of all? Steinhardt offers a unique Ed.D. in Educational Theatre with 4 specializations and all kinds of NYC opportunities. You can take part in NYU’s main-stage productions in the Blackbox Theatre and the historic Provincetown Playhouse, sign up for study abroad programs, and/or attend relevant conferences. Ed.D. scholarships are available.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? NYU also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

• NYU Steinhardt

3 Columbia University in the City of New York

• View All Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose Columbia’s Ed.D. Program?

Columbia’s Teachers College (TC) bills itself is a Graduate School for Education, Health, and Psychology. This explains the interdisciplinary flavor of its research , and its commitment to considering every aspect of learning & development. In fact, over 33% of tenured faculty are psychologists or health educators, lending extra weight to programs such as the Ed.D. in Cognitive Science in Education. If you live in NYC, take a close look at the work being done in urban education and diversity in public schools . The Center for Educational Equity also plays a part in supporting the annual Civic Learning Week.

Ed.D. Offerings at Columbia

When all the Ed.D. concentrations are taken into account, Columbia runs 50+ Doctor of Education programs , easily surpassing the other schools in our rankings. In this top-tier academic candy store, you can have your pick of everything from an Ed.D. in Anthropology and Education to an Ed.D. in Applied Exercise Physiology. Many of these doctorates in education come with certification and non-certification tracks; some feature bilingual extensions.

Aspiring educational leaders may wish to investigate the more conventional offerings in higher & postsecondary education and urban education . The latter is a part-time, cohort-based program that can lead to NYSED School District Leader (SDL) Licensure. Applicants must have a combined 8-12 years of teaching and leadership experience.

• Teachers College

2 University of Pennsylvania

• View All On-Campus & Hybrid Ed.D. Degreees

Why Choose Penn’s Ed.D. Program?

Unlike some public research universities that swallow students in their gaping maw, the Penn Graduate School of Education (GSE) is committed to a personalized experience. The School only has 40 tenured & tenure-track faculty and just over 1,600 students. But small doesn’t mean lazy. Penn is making huge strides in education research . It’s supporting entrepreneurial ventures like Catalyst@Penn . It’s spearheading school partnerships and community engagement activities in Philadelphia. And it’s fostering a global outlook . More than 70% of GSE faculty members are involved in international initiatives.

Ed.D. Offerings at Penn

Penn has created 7 doctorates in education—use the the program finder to narrow down your choices. Mid- to senior-level professionals may wish to pay particular attention to the Mid-Career Ed.D. in Educational Leadership , the Penn Chief Learning Officer Ed.D. and the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management . These programs often blend online courses and monthly weekend meetings with week-long summer sessions.

Prefer a customizable program of study? Explore the part-time Ed.D. in Higher Education , with a whopping 16 electives, and the Ed.D. in Reading, Writing, and Literacy , which will allow you to choose one or more concentrations, including Adult Literacy Education. Penn also offers practice-based doctorates in teaching, learning, and teacher education and educational linguistics.

• Penn Graduate School of Education

1 Harvard University

• Ed.D. in Leadership

Why Choose Harvard’s Ed.D. Program?

Because it’s the best of the best. Put aside the name and instead look at what the Graduate School of Education is doing in the areas of public education leadership, childhood development, and policy research. Learn more about its impact work in areas like climate change and immigration education. Read the latest issue of the Harvard Educational Review (HER) . And take a minute to scroll through the 4- and 5-star student reviews online. Getting into Harvard isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about being part of a world-class Ed.D. experience.

Ed.D. Offerings at Harvard

Whenever you decide to take the reins in school environments, non-profit settings, private companies, or government departments, the Ed.D. in Leadership will be waiting. This full-time, 3-year Ed.D. degree brings together a diverse cohort of 25 students and encourages them to shake up the status quo and translate visionary ideas into successful programs. A full-tuition funding package, stipends, and a paid residency are offered to all students.

In the first two years, you’ll engage with classes such as Thinking Strategically about Education Reform and Practicing Leadership Inside & Out. The third year is consumed by a paid residency, where you’ll work with one of the school’s partner organizations to gain practical experience and make a personal contribution. A strategic project and written capstone go hand-in-hand with the 10-month residency so you can reflect on your successes and challenges.

• Graduate School of Education

How to Choose an Ed.D. Program

Combing through our Best Ed.D. list and other Online Ed.D. rankings can be overwhelming. Here is a list of things to consider when choosing a doctorate in education. Rank them according to your values and priorities.

• Delivery Format: Would you prefer a 100% online, campus-based, or a hybrid Ed.D. degree?
• Program Length: Is the doctorate in education part-time or full-time? Can you fit it into your current work schedule?
• Specializations: Do available Ed.D. concentrations align with your educational and career goals?
• Required Ed.D. Coursework: Are Ed.D. course topics relevant, up-to-date, and applicable to your job?
• Internship & Fieldwork Requirements: Are you interested in supervised leadership experiences?
• Dissertation or Capstone: Would you prefer a traditional, 5-chapter dissertation or a less traditional final project?
• Institutional Reputation: Is your university regionally accredited?
• College of Education & Program Reputation: Does the college hold CAEP accreditation? Is it a member of the CPED ? Does it have a strong research arm?
• Faculty Quality: Are Ed.D. professors currently engaged in the profession? Do their research interests align with yours? Is their experience relevant to your leadership goals?
• Total Cost: Is any internal funding available (e.g. scholarships)? How much do Ed.D. students usually take out in loans? Will you be eligible for a substantial salary bump after graduation?

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S.

There are significant differences between the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) credentials. All of them are advanced degrees, and most require a master’s degree to apply to the program. However:

• Ed.D. The Ed.D. degree sets itself apart from the Ph.D. by focusing on the practical application of knowledge & research, rather than pure theory. Ed.D. programs will contain a traditional dissertation, Dissertation in Practice (DiP), or capstone project.
• Ph.D. in Education: A Ph.D. in Education may have more of a theoretical slant than an Ed.D., with coursework that applies to aspiring professors in academia or research institutions. Ph.D. in Education programs will include a traditional dissertation.
• Ed.S. An Ed.S. typically requires fewer credits than an Ed.D. or Ph.D. — it’s roughly the equivalent of receiving a second master’s degree. It usually does not contain a dissertation.

A Ph.D. in Education and Ed.D. are both research-focused and are—for the most part—considered equivalent degrees. Most institutions simply offer one or the other. That means your choice of program will depend on your career goals.

Pursue an Ed.D. to:

• Become a leader at an educational institution
• Teach courses at the university level (e.g. adjunct professor)
• Get hands-on leadership skills
• Pursue a broader focus on applied research and practical knowledge

Pursue a Ph.D. to:

• Teach education at the university level or become a director of institutional research
• Produce system-wide change
• Understand theories of educational practice
• Conduct rigorous and extensive original research

Pursue an Ed.S. to:

• Create a positive learning environment for students or staff
• Become a school principal, superintendent, or dean
• Focus on developing qualifications for a specific job

Visit our full guides to Ed.D. vs Ph.D. Programs and Ed.S. vs Ed.D. Programs to learn more about the differences and which degree is best for you.

The Ed.D. Admissions Process

An Ed.D. program can be challenging to get into—you’ll need to draw upon all your professional and academic credentials to make it through the admissions process. Ed.D. degrees at well-known schools are highly competitive; even less competitive doctorates in education are intended for well-prepared candidates who have already accomplished a great deal academically. Here’s how to make sure you’re one of those candidates.

Typical Ed.D. Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree: Ed.D. programs generally require students to have earned at least a master’s degree (or an equivalent number of graduate credits). However, the master’s degree does not necessarily need to be in education. If you already hold an Ed.S. degree, you are often eligible for advanced placement.
• Minimum GPA: Where a minimum GPA is specified, an overall 3.0 (B) or higher is generally preferred.
• Work Experience: If you’ve never worked in the field of education before, it may limit your options. Because the Ed.D. is a practical degree intended for mid-career professionals, at least 3 years of relevant work experience is generally required. This is not always the case—Nova Southeastern University’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership is a notable exception—but it’s the norm.
• Letters of Recommendation & Personal Essay: You’re going to need at least two letters of recommendation; most programs also require a personal essay (the format of the personal essay varies widely from program to program). Applicants often treat these two requirements as an afterthought. But in highly competitive programs, the identities of the people writing your letters of recommendation, and the content of your personal essay, can be the most important parts of your application.
• GRE Scores Optional: If you hate the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), we have good news: many Ed.D. programs will accept the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as a substitute for the GRE. Start your research with our convenient list of No GRE Ed.D. programs . You’ll find 77+ schools that do not require the GRE, as well as details on their admission requirements and available program concentrations.

Ed.D. Admissions Interview

In competitive Ed.D. degrees, it is common for the school to conduct an interview with a prospective Ed.D. student prior to accepting an application. This interview is sometimes conducted online.

In most cases, the purpose of the interview is more to check in with the student — verifying the person’s identity and identifying any obvious red flags — rather than a decisive part of the process. But if the Ed.D. program you’re applying for is especially competitive, we recommend you speak to students and alumni to get a sense of what might be expected.

Ed.D. Admissions Essay

For the doctorate in education, some schools also require an admissions essay, though the format can vary. Maryville Ed.D.’s personal statement essay is fairly complex, requiring both a detailed autobiography and a short dissertation proposal, whereas Northern Arizona University merely asks you to provide a writing sample where you summarize an article in your own words. But whether the required admissions essay is simple or complex, it’s likely to be short.

International Student Requirements

In addition to addressing any relevant student visa requirements, international students who have not already demonstrated English fluency must generally earn a good score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam.

How Ed.D. Admission Requirements Differ Between Schools

There is no single Ed.D. admissions process. All worthwhile Ed.D. degrees will require you to fill out an application and send official transcripts, but beyond that admission requirements differ from program to program:

• Some schools require a Master in Education and some don’t.
• Some schools require prior work experience in the field (e.g. 3 years or more) and some don’t.
• Some schools require a high minimum GPA (e.g. 3.0-3.5) and some don’t.
• Some schools require you to take the GRE and some don’t.
• Some schools require an admissions interview and some don’t.
• Some schools require an admissions essay and some don’t.

Since there are no universally accepted admission requirements, it’s wise to make a shortlist of regionally accredited Ed.D. programs and go from there.

Ed.D. Admissions Checklist

Here’s a simple checklist of what Ed.D. applicants should have in hand before starting the application process. Be sure to check with the specific school for admission requirements.

• Relevant contact information for every university you’ve attended in the past, so that you can have official transcripts sent.
• A résumé that shows the necessary work experience.
• Money for the application fee(s), which typically ranges from free to $100.
• Your GRE, MAT, and/or GMAT score information, if required.
• Your TOEFL and/or IELTS score information, if required.
• Two authorities in the field who are willing to write you letters of recommendation.
• A general idea of what you might write in an admissions essay, if required to do so.

The Doctor of Education: What to Expect

During the course of your Ed.D. degree, you’ll typically be expected to tackle doctoral coursework, internships, and a research-based dissertation, DiP, or capstone project.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Coursework

Classes for the Doctor of Education vary widely by school, which is why we suggest you take a close look at the curriculum before applying. Standard coursework for all doctorates in education will include:

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research
• Writing for Research
• Doctoral Seminar or Capstone
• Dissertation, Doctoral Writing Assessment or “Consulting Project”

Sample Ed.D. Course Titles

Outside of those common denominators, schools will alter the Ed.D. coursework quite a bit. Here are a few real-life examples:

Drexel University has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in Management with nine specializations and a set of core courses such as:

• Creative Strategies for Educational Leaders
• Educational Leadership and Change
• Transformative Leadership: Finding One’s Source

Mississippi College’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership contains courses such as:

• Comparative Philosophies of Education
• Curriculum Planning and School Improvement
• Instructional Supervision
• Intermediate and Advanced Statistics

University of Southern California (USC) offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership with classes like:

• Challenges in Urban Education: Accountability
• Analyzing Organizational Change and Its Effectiveness
• Education Performance Problems
• Fundamentals of Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Ed.D. Concentrations/Specializations

Some schools offer only one Ed.D. specialization/concentration; others offer ten. We’ve assembled some common titles. This is by no means an exhaustive list—there are more specializations than one could imagine!

• Adult Education
• Athletic Administration
• Curriculum Studies
• Curriculum, Teaching, Leadership and Learning
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Leadership and School Change
• Global Executive
• Higher Education Administration
• Human Resource Development
• Information Technology
• Literacy Education
• Organizational Leadership Studies
• Urban and Multicultural Education

Ed.D. Internships

Many Ed.D. programs require that students complete a focused internship. This allows students to combine theory with practical knowledge in a supervised environment. Internships create a situation for students to learn from other professionals, become more effective leaders, and apply the skills they have learned in their coursework.

• For some Ed.D. degrees, like ETSU’s Ed.D. with an Administrative Endorsement , this is a 540-hour requirement. All internships are planned and completed in district offices, schools, and community settings under the guidance of a faculty member.
• UNCW’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Educational Administration) includes one internship and other applied learning experience, as well as multiple certificate options that can be completed during the program.

Internships for a doctorate in education often differ by concentration. For example, an internship at a multinational corporation might be arranged for a global executive specialization, whereas a non-profit internship might be arranged for organizational leadership studies. This is yet one more area for students to look into when researching Ed.D. degrees.

Ed.D. Dissertation, Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or Capstone

All Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs will contain a large, research-based project. Some Ed.D. degrees opt for a traditional dissertation along the lines of a Ph.D. Other Ed.D. programs contain a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or capstone project.

Traditional Dissertation

• Doctorates in education that require a traditional dissertation include classes to assist students with each of the steps required to write one (e.g. how to come up with a dissertation topic, how to structure the dissertation, and how to conduct effective research).
• After the dissertation is planned, proposed, and written, the final step is defending it. Typically, an Ed.D. committee will read the student’s dissertation, and—on a set date—faculty members will ask questions of the student to ensure they fully understand the focus area of their dissertation.
• Questions will be open-ended so that Ed.D. students must think critically about their work. The thought of defending a thesis can be stressful, but students are given months to prepare. And committees generally want students to succeed, not fail!

DiP or Capstone Project

Questions to consider before committing to an ed.d., why do i want to earn a doctorate in education.

An Ed.D. can put your résumé at the top of the pile for many positions. But not every position. Do a little market research before making a commitment. Ed.D. holders tend to become school administrators, college administrators, college-level teachers (e.g. adjuncts), and instructional coordinators. If you’re considering one of these roles, it’s doubtful you’ll regret the knowledge gained from this degree.

Do I Really Need an Ed.D. Degree?

The short answer is no—an Ed.D. is not always necessary in order to snag a job in K-20 leadership. However, salaries for elementary and secondary school administrators vary widely; the top 10% make more than $150,000, while the bottom 10% earn less than $66,000. The gap is even more pronounced for postsecondary administrators . A doctorate in education can often help you secure a stronger salary and better job options.

Have a look at our guide to Ed.D. Careers & Salaries for detailed advice on this question.

Should I Study Part- or Full-Time?

If life circumstances allow a full class load, then full-time study is ideal. An accelerated Ed.D. degree takes 2+ years. That’s short enough to avoid feeling too much of a sting from lost income, yet long enough to take advantage of more internship opportunities and on-campus networking.

However, while part-time Ed.D. students may only have time to get the work done (and little else), most will likely walk away with less student debt, which may be worth it even if the doctorate in education takes longer.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Ed.D. Degree?

• Advancement possibilities in your career
• New learning can revive a passion for your industry
• Opportunity to become a scholar and researcher in your field
• Earn the title of “Doctor”
• Opportunity costs—the time and length of the degree means potentially forgoing other useful ways to spend those years
• May be expensive in terms of both program cost and lost income due to reducing work hours
• Balancing family/work commitments can be challenging

Do I Opt for a Ph.D. in Education or an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. programs might not pack the same punch as Ph.D.s in terms of “perceived” prestige for academic positions, but they serve an important role in terminal degree studies and they’re well-recognized by employers.

The practical application of the Ed.D. is the hallmark of the program. Whereas Ph.D. programs have a strong theoretical research component, Ed.D. programs stress the importance of real-life function and application.

Check out our guide to the Ed.D. vs Ph.D. if you need more help in this area.

Doctoral Degree Programs

Additional information.

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook

Join a world-class community of scholars and education leaders exploring new frontiers in learning and teaching.

Doctoral study at Harvard means full immersion in one of the world's most dynamic and influential intellectual communities. At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, two distinct doctoral programs leverage the extraordinary interdisciplinary strengths of the entire University. The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators for system-level leadership roles in school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and beyond; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)  empowers cutting-edge interdisciplinary research informed by the cognitive sciences, economics, medicine, the humanities, and more.

Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.)

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School , and the Harvard Kennedy School , and includes a 10-month residency in the third year.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) , offered jointly with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , provides unrestricted access to faculty and resources at all Harvard graduate and professional schools. This five-year Ph.D. is ideal for conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that directly informs and impacts education practice and policy.

Academic Degrees , Education Degree News

Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: February 13, 2024

Published: December 17, 2018

For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia or research, a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek. A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest level degree you can get. So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?

Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.

What is a Ph.D. in education?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics or research. Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree, so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field, it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is. An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented, which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education, for the government, or in a non-profit organization.

A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison. For this reason, it’s best for anyone looking to work in research or academia at the university level.

There are more differences between the two, including:

• A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
• A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
• A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
• A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?

There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:

1. It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree (which means its the highest level that you can achieve in this field).

2. You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.

Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and/or present your findings at conferences around the world.

3. You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.

Are you fascinated by childhood development? Or do you have a passion for classroom management? If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.

4. You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.

Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat! Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either. Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set . Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally. These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:

Technical skills:

Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management, and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.

Soft skills:

Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.

The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect

Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes? There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.

Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders, as well as their average salaries in the US:

• Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,56 0
• Survey Researchers: $59,870 
• Sociologists: $86,110
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700

Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors. Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries (in their equivalent USD):

Denmark: $109,600

Switzerland: $185,000

UK: $110,000

US: $102,400

Finland: $95,000

Canada: $93,000

Germany:$92,000

France: $82,000

There are other career options as well, such as school administrator, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, and principal.

What are the Requirements?

Considering that a Ph.D. in education is the highest level you can achieve in education, it means that you will already have a bachelor’s under your belt, and in most cases, a master’s degree, as well. In other words, you probably like being a student. There are lots of years of studying that get dedicated to earning a Ph.D. If you plan on doing a doctorate in education, earning a master’s degree in education can be the right first step.

Another important thing to know is that almost all Ph.D. candidates have background experience in research. So if education is your field of interest, getting a Ph.D. will mean coming to the table with previous research experience from your undergraduate (and potentially graduate) degrees.

Every institution may differ on their prerequisites for enrolling in their Ph.D. in education program. Be sure to consult directly with your school of choice to find out what they are.

Where Can I Earn My Ph.D. in Education?

There are many schools that offer Ph.D. in education programs. Just like most subjects, there are going to be online /on-campus options as well as throughout the world. Some are even fully funded.

Online programs

University of the People has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree. This could be a great choice for those of you who may be aiming for a Ph.D. in education but only have a BA. The next step is getting that MA. So, why not choose a tuition-free program ?

Liberty University, Walden University, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska are just a few popular universities that offer a Ph.D. in Education. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs.

Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe can be both exciting and low-cost . Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland offer free doctorate tuition for university students, regardless of their nationality! France offers low-cost Ph.D. tuition fees. If you want to see some specific schools in these countries, look at this list.

Fully-funded Programs

Fully-funded sounds wonderful, and it is! But, it doesn’t mean there are no costs associated. Fully-funded actually means that your tuition is covered, but you’ll still have to cover costs for textbooks and supplies, living expenses, and other fees.  no cost. That said, it’s still an awesome option. One condition: it has to be on campus. Why? Because you need to pay with your time — by teaching and performing research.

University of Michigan School of Education, Vanderbilt Peabody College, and Steinhardt School at NYU all offer tuition-free on-campus Ph.D. in education programs.

Online vs On-campus

You might be wondering what it’s like to get your Ph.D. online, as compared to on-campus institutions. Like all degrees, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your degree entirely online. In regards to a Ph.D. in education, you will need to consider a few things.

Online Ph.D. programs are best suited to students who work better solo. They are also great for those who have worked in the field for some time and want to advance in their area of study. And, of course, it’s the best option for those who work and are raising families. On the other hand, you aren’t in the presence of peers and professors that can be a valuable resource in the research-driven program of a Ph.D.

Earning a Ph.D. on-campus has its pros and cons, too.. While they’re generally more expensive than online programs, on-campus Ph.D. programs allow you to communicate face-to-face with your professors, supervisors, and other students.

What You Can Expect to Study in a Ph.D. in Education

Completing a Ph.D. means doing your dissertation, or research thesis. Naturally, it is going to be based on the field of study that you are most interested in. You can specialize in a certain area. Some common specialization options for a Ph.D. in education are:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology

Aside from the research involved in planning and executing your thesis, you will also have professional development activities and coursework relevant to your area of study. They’re designed to help give you the skills needed to succeed in your research and your future career in education.

While the curriculum is going to vary according to your specialization, there are some general core courses that most PhDs in education involve. You will likely take the following: group psychology, leadership, learning models, ethics, education and globalization, and analytics courses as part of your curriculum.

Is a Ph.D. in Education for Me?

If you choose to study for a Ph.D. in education, chances are you’re passionate about teaching and learning, and everything in between. Even if you’re not looking to stand in front of a lecture hall and teach, you may wish to improve upon the field of education as a whole through research and other means. With a Ph.D. in Education, you open the door to that possibility and many more.

How you choose to earn your degree is up to you. Whether you conclude upon enrolling online or on-campus, prepare yourself for lots of reading, writing, researching, and communicating. Whatever you chose, we’re sure you’ll give it your best shot. Here’s to reaching the top in the field of education!

Related Articles

11 Ed.D. Careers to Consider

Originially published on October 23, 2020 and refreshed on April 26, 2023.

Across a broad spectrum of industries, motivated professionals prioritize their ongoing development and career advancement opportunities. Individuals with their eyes on new roles and a desire to create positive change in the world know that these goals require ongoing investment in new knowledge and skills. Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is one of the primary paths to developing new forms of leadership better suited to respond to the needs of rapidly evolving societies.

Graduate education can present challenges for working professionals. Many may not have geographical access to the kinds of programs that would be most suited to pursuing desirable Ed.D. careers. However, an online doctorate of education offers prospective candidates the opportunity to balance their careers and academic pursuits as they apply best practices and new skills in their day-to-day professional settings.

Graduates with an advanced degree enjoy a wide range of Ed.D. career opportunities and the confidence to promote change across diverse instructional and organizational settings.

Request My Free Ed.D. Online Program Guide

What Are the Unique Characteristics and Benefits of a Doctorate in Education?

The ideal doctorate in education program will prioritize academic excellence while taking a holistic approach to student learning and development. It will offer a unique opportunity to cultivate deep roots of servant and ethical leadership as part of your personal and professional growth plan.

By completing an Ed.D. program, you can acquire the knowledge and skill set to stand out among other candidates and excel in public or private sector doctor of education jobs. And that, of course, is the goal — to maximize your career potential while making a meaningful and lasting impact in your community and in the world.

Skills Needed for Ed.D. Careers

An online doctorate in education program enables professionals to enhance their leadership capacities to effect change while continuing to balance work, family and community responsibilities. An Ed.D. program will model collaborative processes, emphasize problem-solving and explain how to adapt schools and organizations to changing external environments.

The curriculum in a doctorate in education program will explore subjects relevant to your current professional position and provide skills that lend to future Ed.D. career pursuits. Areas of focus include:

• Effective organizational leadership
• Leadership that embraces and brings about social justice
• Transformative leadership : producing meaningful change
• Applying educational theory to organizational health and innovation
• Crisis leadership
• Systems thinking
• Change management
• Cultivating future leaders within an organization
• Importance of human and social capital

What Are the Differences Between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in Education? 

Both an Ed.D. and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) are terminal, post-graduate programs that offer deeper knowledge in the field of educational leadership. But there are a number of critical differences between the two that you should consider carefully.

The primary consideration when considering the differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. is professional outcome. If you’ve decided that a doctorate in education job might be a wise path for you, it is important to envision what kind of work you ultimately hope to do and in what setting.

An Ed.D. is designed to equip those interested in hands-on leadership in education, nonprofit, government and even business settings. Some of the advantages of an Ed.D. include:

• Practical application is emphasized over theory
• Research is applied to real-world settings
• Students can continue full-time work throughout the program
• Collaboration with fellow classmates is encouraged to solve problems of practice

A Ph.D. in education is designed to emphasize research, both during the program and in subsequent career pursuits. It tends to emphasize theory over practice and is aimed at producing academic researchers in more focused areas of study. Some of the characteristics of a Ph.D. include:

• Research intensive
• More common career path to a research scholar or policy researcher
• Potential funding options to focus on full-time research

Another notable difference between the two is that a Ph.D. often requires significantly more credit hours and time — sometimes twice as much time — than an Ed.D. On average, Ed.D. programs require 60 credits and can be completed in three years or more, while Ph.D. programs require 90 credits and usually take five years or more.

11 Ed.D. Careers

By earning a Doctor of Education, graduates can prepare themselves for Ed.D. careers with lasting impact — on students and on the future of a college, university, organization or community. 

An Ed.D. signals to employers that a candidate is a thought leader; someone who is dedicated to pursuing innovations in higher education and who has demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. An Ed.D. can prepare graduates with educational and organizational leadership skills for leadership roles across various institutions and industries.

1. K-12 School Leaders

Education professionals who aspire to serve as school leaders or superintendents of schools usually need to earn a doctorate in education. The emphasis on leadership and problem-solving in most Ed.D. programs makes them ideal preparation for superintendents, directors of education and other school leadership positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school principals earn a median annual salary of $98,420 as of May 2021. The BLS projects a 5% increase in job growth for these roles between 2021 and 2031.

2. Postsecondary Administrator

Earning a doctorate in education is often necessary to ascend to administrative positions in college and university settings. Postsecondary administrators oversee a variety of educational services at colleges or universities. These may include faculty research, student affairs, admissions and more. 

The BLS reports that postsecondary administrators earn a median annual salary of $96,910 as of May 2021. Employment for these roles is expected to increase by 7% between 2021 and 2031.

3. Curriculum Specialists and Instructional Designers

Curriculum specialists and instructional designers oversee the development and implementation of curricula and teaching standards. The challenges of effectively creating and revising academic curriculum, guiding educators in implementing curriculum and teaching methodology and analyzing student data to assess and improve learning outcomes will be better met with an Ed.D. 

The BLS reports that instructional coordinators, including curriculum designers, earn a median annual salary of $63,740 as of May 2021. The BLS predicts this field will grow in the years to come, with an expected 7% increase between 2021 and 2031.

4. College Professor

When considering Ed.D careers, one of the first that comes to mind is the role of a college professor. College professors teach at community colleges, colleges or universities within a specific subject area at the undergraduate or graduate level. As employees of a college or university, their responsibilities may also include:

• Developing curriculum and course material 
• Mentoring students
• Conducting research and publishing journal articles
• Serving on academic or campus life committees
• Writing grant proposals

Most four-year colleges and universities require their professors to hold a doctoral degree in the field they want to teach. Aspiring college professors will also want to conduct regular research in their field and participate in committees and conferences.

According to the BLS, college professionals have a median annual salary of $79,460 as of May 2021. Roles for college professors are expected to grow 12% between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

5. Dean of Students or Faculty

Deans of Students or Faculty is a doctor of education job within a college or university that oversees campus programs. As education administrators, these professionals support either students or faculty in order to facilitate a positive experience for all on campus. 

Their job responsibilities may include:

• Meeting with students to discuss their needs
• Directing the admissions process
• Collaborating with departments to enhance the student or faculty experience
• Planning campus life activities that boost student or employee morale
• Administering and enforcing conduct policies
• Intervening with students at risk of attrition or struggling faculty members

Deans of Students or Faculty often hold a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Their professional background may include years of working as college professors or in education administrator roles.

According to the BLS, jobs for postsecondary education administrators earn a median annual salary of $96,910 as of May 2021. The career is expected to grow by a rate of 8% between 2021 and 2031.

6. Academic Consultant

Academic, education or learning consultants may work for independent firms, school districts, product-driven firms or government agencies. Their job responsibilities may include:

• Advising teachers, parents, school administrators, school boards and government officials on educational best practices
• Assessing education standards and policies to make recommendations for improvement
• Implementing data-driven changes in schools or districts
• Recommending materials, technology or programs

To compete for Ed.D. careers as an education consultant, graduates often earn master’s degrees or higher. They may have a background in teaching. Independent academic consultants often register with national organizations for education consultants. 

Payscale reports a median annual salary of approximately $63,000 for education consultants. While there is not a specific listing for academic consultants, the BLS estimates a growth rate of 7% for employment in education, training and library occupations from 2021 to 2031.

7. Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers, who may also be called training or development specialists, work in nearly every industry. Their job responsibilities may include:

• Planning and administering programs to improve employee skills and knowledge
• Assessing training needs
• Designing and developing training materials 
• Collaborating with employees to best address their training needs

Corporate trainers often pursue Ed.D. careers after having worked as teachers or in areas such as staff development or instructional design. While post-graduate degrees and certifications are not required, they may lead to faster career advancement or more job opportunities.

These professionals enjoy the opportunity to facilitate greater employee satisfaction, educate large numbers of people and participate in company success through their work. 

The median annual salary for corporate trainers was $61,570 in May 2021, according to the BLS. Roles for corporate trainers are expected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031.

8. Chief Learning Officer

Some organizations have set out to increase their competitive edge. Chief Learning Officers “steer the learning journey, in line with business.” CLOs coordinate and deliver training programs and opportunities and demonstrate to their fellow top-level colleagues how such training impacts the bottom line, customer satisfaction and employee experience.

According to Continu, “The role of a Chief Learning Officer is growing as more organizations recognize the need for learning and development to be central to their success.”\

According to the BLS, training and development managers, including chief learning officers, make a median annual salary of $120,130 as of May 2021. There is a projected 7% career growth between 2021 and 2031. 

9. Director of a Civic, Nonprofit or Grantmaking Organization

Hiring boards for such organizations often prefer candidates with advanced degrees. A doctorate of education can equip graduates with the theoretical framework and practical problem-solving skills necessary to lead an organization effectively . The program’s emphasis on strategy, systems, change and bringing about social justice will prepare students who want to pursue organizational leadership roles of this nature.

The charitable sector in the United States trails only behind business in terms of percentage of the workforce — 6.5% of the workforce works in the charitable sector. That represents a contribution of 1.4 trillion dollars to the economy as of the fourth quarter of 2022.

According to the BLS, top executives, including organizational directors, earn a median annual salary of $98,980 as of May 2021. There is a projected job growth of 6% for these roles between 2021 and 2031.

10. Human Resources Manager/Director

Graduates of a doctorate program who desire an Ed.D. career that allows them to craft policies, shape corporate culture and coordinate training programs and activities may find a human resources manager or director role to be an ideal fit. Human resources (HR) directors also ensure company compliance with legal policies, so Ed.D. degree holders interested in legislation may consider such a role.

The BLS reports that HR managers earn a median annual salary of $126,230 as of May 2021. Human resources manager roles are expected to grow 7% between now and 2031.

11. Education Policy Analyst

Education policy analysts work within school systems, at think tanks, in lobbying organizations, for nonprofits organizations and in the private sector. Such analysts research educational topics, evaluate the effects of education policies and conduct research to produce reports and articles. These analysts may focus on a specific area of education, or they may conduct a more general analysis of the state of education and possibilities for the future.

According to the BLS, political scientists in the education sector earn a median annual salary of $73,120 as of May 2021. The projected career growth is 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Pursue Doctor of Education Jobs

Pursuing an Ed.D. career is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in education. Working within doctor of education jobs that influence the future policies, programs and standards of education, graduates can set the course for an investment in quality education, allowing both teachers and students to reach their personal and professional goals. 

Marymount University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation offers an ideal opportunity to earn an Ed.D. in a convenient format. You can earn a doctorate in education entirely online in less than three years.

The online Ed.D. program at Marymount is a strategically designed educational experience that integrates research, theory and practice to empower leaders to solve real-world problems. Start building your school or organization’s capacity for high performance and continuous improvement. Become a leader who can respond to uncertain futures and new challenges with an Ed.D. online from Marymount University.

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If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

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If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

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8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

Industry Advice Education

By earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you’re preparing yourself for a career with lasting impact—on students, on the future of a college or university, on your community, or on the trajectory of a nonprofit trying to improve other communities locally and abroad.

You’re also positioning yourself for advancement. Professionals who earn an EdD are qualified for roles leading and operating schools at the elementary, high school, or college level. They learn to lead in a way that can be transferred to the front of a classroom or at the ground level of an organization.

An EdD signals to employers that you’re a thought leader; that you’re someone who’s demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. With your doctorate in hand, you’re prepared to take on a leadership role across a variety of industries.

Here’s a look at the types of positions EdD graduates pursue and eight of the top careers available in the field. 

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What Type of Positions Do EdD Students Pursue?

Northeastern’s EdD students cultivate their leadership skills in the program by integrating practice and insights from experienced faculty and high-achieving peers . They come from diverse fields, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, military, human services, and the nonprofit sector. Their job titles and careers are just as diverse, with students working as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders within higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.

Top Careers for Doctor of Education Graduates

1. college president.

Average Annual Salary: $272,203

Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute on their school’s strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors, lawmakers, government, and faculty, to raise the profile of the institution both locally and abroad. They also collaborate with senior administrators, faculty, and staff to devise new ways to support students and improve their learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Depending on the type of public or private institution they lead, college presidents can earn impressive seven-figure salaries . 

2. Chief Learning Officer

Average Annual Salary: $152,225

In education, top executive roles include positions like “chief learning officer”—a senior-level professional who develops and drives strategies that help his or her college or university meet critical business goals. Chief learning officers (CLOs) focus on creating strategies for training, learning, and development, and typically oversee an institute’s latest technologies, such as its online learning platform.

Average Annual Salary: $148,783

A provost—or vice president, depending on the college or university—is a senior-level academic administrator who tends to be second in command after the president. Provosts work closely with deans and department heads, and help determine their institution’s academic goals and priorities, as well as how to allocate the resources necessary to support those initiatives. They often oversee daily operations and work to hire and retain a diverse faculty. 

4. School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $116,931

Superintendents are the top executives of a school district. They’re responsible for establishing and overseeing their district’s budget, staffing, infrastructure, and spending. Superintendents collaborate closely with a school board to develop and implement new policies and programs in line with the district’s short- and long-term goals, as well as allocate the financial and human resources necessary to achieve the district’s overarching vision.

5. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal

Average Annual Salary: $95,310

Principals oversee the daily operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They hire teachers and staff, manage the budget, and enforce disciplinary rules when necessary. Principals also develop and assess educational programming aimed at achieving student learning outcomes, all while striving to create and maintain a positive learning environment. More than 11,000 principal positions are expected to emerge by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

A principal’s salary might differ depending on whether he or she works at an elementary, middle, or high school. The mean wages for principals at each level, according to PayScale are:

• Elementary School : $81,095
• Middle School : $87,989
• High School : $92,197

6. Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $90,339  

Deans work at the senior administrative level of a college or university. The role varies depending on the institution, but deans often manage faculty and staff, set academic goals, implement strategic planning, oversee their department’s budget, help fundraise, support research initiatives, and foster student development. Some departments you might find them in are:

• Admissions : Those working in admissions develop and lead recruitment initiatives for a college or university. They evaluate applications, decide the number of students who should be admitted to the school, who those students should be, and communicate with prospects and their families.
• Research : A dean of research often oversees faculty and collaborates with them to create a strategy for developing short- and long-term research initiatives. They also work to secure research funding, oversee the research budget, and establish key industry partnerships.
• Student Affairs : The student affairs office typically oversees a variety of different departments, such as residence life, athletics, student support services, and diversity and inclusion. A dean of student affairs typically establishes and evaluates nonacademic programs that foster and enrich the student experience, as well as handle disciplinary issues and communicate with students’ parents or legal guardians.
• Advancement : The advancement office—also known as “development” or “alumni relations” depending on the school—is responsible for securing funding for the college or university from potential donors, including alumni, government policymakers, corporations, and foundations. They nurture and maintain those relationships, ensuring all gifts received are being used as intended.

7. Professor

Average Annual Salary: $78,470

Postsecondary teachers, or professors, work at the college or university level, developing course curricula, instructing students in a specific area of study, and assessing their progress. When they’re not teaching, professors are often conducting research, writing scholarly papers, or attending conferences.

Professors’ salaries vary based on where they are on the tenure track and their area of expertise. The median salary for a professor based on rank, according to PayScale, is:

• Instructor : $49,510
• Lecturer: $51,101
• Assistant Professor : $67,021
• Associate Professor : $76,250
• Professor : $87,018

Salaries range further depending on the professor’s focus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying subjects—and what those subjects offer in terms of average annual wage—are:

• Law : $111,140
• Engineering : $101,720
• Economics : $101,720
• Health Specialties : $97,370
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science : $90,860
• Physics : $90,800
• Architecture : $86,980
• Forestry and Conservation Science : $86,900
• Agricultural Sciences : $84,640
• Business : $83,960

8. Executive Director of Education

Average Annual Salary: $73,640

Executive directors are often the senior leaders of a nonprofit organization or business. They work closely with a board of directors but are the ones who make the daily operational decisions. Executive directors hire and manage staff, handle external relations, engage volunteers, oversee the budget—including all fundraising initiatives—and develop policies, programs, and strategies that guide the organization’s mission and purpose. 

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern?

When you earn your EdD from Northeastern , you’re not only advancing your own work, you’re joining a top-tier university and pursuing a rigorous education with an entrepreneurial orientation toward making our world a better place. You’re joining a vast network of students and alumni in the EdD, which spans more than 2,000 professionals across many domains of education. You’re gaining access to engaging faculty who understand the importance of professional experiences in a growing leadership capacity, and who are prepared to offer you personal attention to support your professional development.

With your EdD, you can make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and organizations, as you transform your problem of practice into a plan for change and action.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in September of 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance. 

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What Types of Doctorates Are Available?

The pinnacle achievement in education, doctoral degrees may also open the doors to exclusive jobs and maximize salaries . For example, business Ph.D. holders earn 9 percent more over their lifetimes than those with only master’s degrees. In education, that number rises to 24 percent.

The reason is simple. The doctorate identifies that a student has mastered either the knowledge of a subject or the applied theory of one. Achieving the degree firmly establishes one as an authority in her field or discipline. Those are qualities that employers are looking for when filling leadership or top positions within their company.

And these types of degrees are growing in both popularity and scope.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

The growing state of the (doctorate) union.

As emerging jobs have taken over the market, the rise in available doctoral degrees has followed.

Currently, there are a total of 88 different doctoral degrees available in the United States. And people are taking advantage of the opportunity

American universities awarded 52,760 doctorates in 2013, up 3.5 percent from nearly 50,977 in 2012 and nearly 8 percent from 48,903 in 2011.

In 2014, American universities awarded 54,070 research doctorates, the highest total in the 58 years that the National Science Foundation has sponsored the Survey of Earned Doctorates.

These numbers indicate that the bar is raising (and quickly) for many high-demand jobs. A master’s is no longer an automatic differentiator for competitive jobs.

Six Popular Doctorates for 2018

In many fast-growing and emerging fields, professionals are seeking to differentiate themselves by earning specialized doctoral degrees. Below is a list outlining seven of the most popular doctorates in 2017 and beyond.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you want to lead a business—via the C-suite or the consultant role—this degree is for you.

The DBA is well poised to lead innovation, evolution and adaptation efforts to help the business meet the ever-changing demands of the economy. Programs teach students how to effectively lead and influence organizations—by teaching what makes businesses tick, improve, succeed and fail.

What you’ll learn:

All programs are different, based on the institution and your emphasis, but the core coursework might include subjects like:

• Leadership constructs and methodologies
• Organizational strategy and performance
• Organizational culture and behavior
• Modern management theory and advanced leadership principles
• Effective decision-making
• Performance analysis
• Application of ethical constructs
• Change management techniques

There are a variety of specialties you can get your DBA in, including: International Business Leadership, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Finance, Strategy and Vision, Marketing, and Strategic Management.

Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

If you want to lead programs that affect global or population health, this degree is for you.

The DPH is tailored to individuals leading policy and programs in the public health sector. Programs help students develop critical skills to identify, validate and improve population-based public health strategies, influence public health interventions and strategies, develop public health policy and programs, and establish economic models to drive meaningful change.

• Health informatics and analytics
• Public health leadership and systems thinking
• Economics of public health
• Community health assessment
• Global health and issues in disease prevention
• Public relations and communication for public health leaders

Common concentrations in Doctor of Public Health programs include: Environmental Health, Health Equity and Social Justice, Health Policy and Management.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

If you want to maintain a healthcare focus, this degree is for you.

The DHA is tailored to individuals leading businesses within the healthcare industry. Programs typically focus on the practical applications of public health theory, evaluation and improvement across the business of healthcare—including administration, policy, regulation, marketing, communication and program management.

• Organizational strategies to improve community and global health
• State, federal and private policy making
• Quality improvement methodologies
• Healthcare economics and financial reform
• Health data management
• Program evaluation models
• Improving health information governance

Common concentrations include: Healthcare Quality and Analytics, Healthcare Management, Clinical and Program Management, General Healthcare Leadership or Health Care Policy.

Doctor of Professional Studies – Instructional Leadership Design (DPS, ISL)

If you want to influence organizations through curriculum development, the Doctor of Professional Studies is for you.

DPS-IDLs develop cross-organization and multi-tiered learning strategies to help organizations improve and retain talent. Professionals in this area work to develop senior leadership competencies, technical proficiencies, knowledge-transfer systems and other important things.

• Emerging trends and technologies for instructional design
• Advanced organizational learning theories
• Innovative learning environment design
• Strategic assessment and decision-making
• Knowledge management
• Communication theory and strategies

This field is an emerging field—growing in popularity as a higher volume of legacy and tenured leaders are leaving organizations.

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

If you’re driven to help businesses succeed through the effective deployment and management of technology, this doctorate is for you.

DITs are more than technology specialists—they are embedded leaders who can drive organizations through critical IT-related challenges. Their work enables the success and growth of business plans and goals. From technology assessment to technology vision, these leaders influence the business’ ability to perform its mission.

• IT leadership principles
• Enterprise database design
• Enterprise systems architecture
• Emerging technologies (cloud, grid computing, etc.)
• Information assurance
• Information and network security
• Change and risk management

As organizations continue to rely heavily on existing and emerging technologies, DITs are positioned to have meaningful influence inside of organizations.

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

If you’re driven by concepts of social justice and reform, or the proper execution of social work, this doctorate is for you.

DSWs are positioned to expand their independent practice or work into new populations or areas, or achieve leadership roles in social work agencies and organizations. These leaders drive social change and interventions that improve the human experience for disenfranchised or marginalized populations.

• Contemporary issues and social change
• Advanced social work theory
• Policy creation
• Human services administration
• Program and practice evaluation
• Public leadership

A Doctor of Social Work may concentrate their research in the following fields: Addiction and Social Work, Disaster and Intervention, Social Work Administration, Criminal Justice, Family Studies and Intervention, Clinical Expertise or Policy Practice.

Choosing Your Doctorate “Flavor”

As we’ve mentioned before, there are two types of doctorate degrees : the academic degree (PhD) and the applied degree ( Doctorate ).

A general rule of thumb is this:

Go for your Ph.D. if you want to pursue a tenured teaching career at a research institution (think professor at Harvard) or if a job implicitly requires it (think: principle scientist or university chancellor).

If not, opt for the applied.

The applied degree is typically recommended if you want to teach at a teaching institution (think small liberal arts university, Christian higher education, private charter schools), if you want to establish your professional credibility as a practitioner (think CEO, financial advisor, public health leader), or if you want to spend the prime of your career in consulting work (think contract researcher or circuit speaker).

Not sure which one is right for you? Go applied. It’s the most flexible program, giving you the best chance of learning things that you can apply in the boardroom or office the next day.

The Doctorate Gut Check

The highest possible achievement in education, the doctorate, firmly establishes you as an authority in your  field or discipline. The degree may also offer competitive advantages, open the door to exciting career opportunities, and deliver substantial salary increases.

For these reasons, doctorate programs are growing in both popularity and scope—a reality that gives today’s professionals unique opportunities to leverage education to further their careers.

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What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Education?

America’s education system is continually in need of leaders equipped with the right knowledge and skills to effect change. From increased classroom size and decreased funding to high-stakes testing and a growing need for technology in the classroom, today’s educators face many – and often have to do so with fewer resources at their disposal. Working at the ground level can be a great way to make an impact. Teachers get to work one-on-one with students, allowing them the opportunity to make a difference in individual lives. But for some educators, the right career path – and the best way to implement change – is through executive leadership in system-level roles.

If you’re an educator looking to move into educational leadership or high-level administration, going back for your doctorate could be the right move. Earning a doctorate in education can help open careers at the top level of the education industry. You might be out of the classroom, but the possibility to impact education is greater than ever. With an education leadership doctorate you can help develop education policy, set curriculum and even conduct research that can help further education in this country.

Of course, going back for an advanced degree is a big decision – and one that may require a commitment of both time and money. If you’re considering going back to school for your doctorate, let us help you gather the facts and explore the career possibilities before you decide.

EdD vs. PhD: Types of Doctorate Degrees in Education

If you’re going back for your doctorate in education, you have two choices of degree:

Doctor of Education (EdD) : This doctoral degree will help educators develop the skills and strategies required to manage an organization, lead faculty and staff, and address educational issues in the workplace. 1 This degree focuses on practical application in real-world environments. An EdD program will help equip you to work closely with teachers and students to help shape an organization and its educational policy.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD ): This educator preparation doctoral program is ideal for those who want to conduct and publish education research. A PhD in Education focuses on theoretical application. If your goal is to become a university professor, a PhD is usually the more appropriate degree to pursue.

Careers in Education for Doctorate Degree Holders

What can you do with a doctorate in education? Earning a doctorate in education can open up career possibilities in a variety of settings. Whether you want to work in a traditional school setting, a university or even outside academia, a doctorate degree in education will help qualify you for a number of different positions.

School Systems

If you want to stay in the traditional setting of a public school system, several career options are available, most notably as a school principal or superintendent. Both positions carry great responsibility, as decisions made by these roles affect a large number of students.

• School Principals - Principals help create and implement professional development programs and work closely with teachers to make sure the school is meeting its overall educational goals. They also review learning materials and make decisions on school-wide curriculum.
• School Superintendents - Superintendents manage school districts and serve as the chief executive officer and educational advisor to a public school board. They help develop and implement educational policy for the district, manage top-level personnel, monitor budgets and work with school board members, politicians and financial advisors to create a thriving, competitive environment for students. 2
• College Presidents - They are the highest-ranking officials in their respective institutions.  Their duties include creating and executing the school’s vision-mission; managing all academic, operational, and financial aspects; and supervising staff and faculty. College presidents build relationships with government officials, alumni, donors, and the local community. They are accountable to the Board of Trustees. 

College or University

A variety of career paths in a collegiate setting are available to those with a doctorate in education. You can work as a professor, college admissions director, department chair, dean or provost. These higher education leadership positions carry great responsibility, and the decisions you make as an educational leader can affect the institution for years. For example, as an admissions director, it's your job to accept the right number of qualified applicants to balance funding, tuition costs and the quality of the student experience. A department chair handles all aspects of staffing, scheduling and coordination.

• Academic Deans - Academic deans are responsible for the management of their respective academic departments. They play a crucial role in designing programs, recruiting staff, managing finances, and representing their department in college-wide meetings. Typically, academic deans are accomplished professors who possess school leadership skills, administrative expertise and deep knowledge in their area of specialization.
• Provosts - The provost holds the position of the highest-ranking academic officer. They have direct authority over academic deans and are typically regarded as the second in command after the college president. They recruit and appoint deans, play a role in faculty hiring decisions, and oversee instructional planning and delivery as well as research activities. They may also work with or supervise academic support services.
• Instructional coordinators - They develop and implement academic instruction in their respective schools. One of their many primary responsibilities is to do research methods and design education program plans that meet the needs of students. They also analyze student data to determine their progress and identify areas for improvement. By doing so, they can create customized instructional plans that cater to the needs of their students.

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Non-Traditional Settings

With a doctorate in education, career possibilities aren’t limited to only academic settings. The research, communication and professional development skills you build in an EdD program translate well to other fields, including nonprofit organizations and state and federal government agencies. You may even work in business environments as a corporate trainer, helping businesses educate their employees on best practices for their particular industry. 3

• Chief Learning Officer - The role of a CLO involves overseeing the training and professional growth of all employees within a corporation or organization. This includes developing training plans that are in line with the organization's overall objectives, assessing the results of such training, and exploring innovative techniques and technologies for cultivating employee and executive talent. The reason it's a sought-after job for EdD graduates or those with an EdD degree is because of their advanced understanding in human development, teaching, and learning as well as statistics, technology, and other relevant fields. 

Alliant’s Doctoral Programs in Education

At Alliant International University, we offer several doctorate in education degree programs.

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Management
• PsyD in Educational Psychology

Our EdD in Educational Leadership and Management helps prepare educators who want to pursue educational administration and executive leadership roles. The EdD in Educational Leadership and Management degree is offered as a hybrid program, allowing busy professionals to advance their knowledge and develop a network of professional colleagues. To learn more about our doctorate degrees in education, contact us.

• “Edd vs. PhD Degrees,” Teach, accessed November 24, 2021, https://teach.com/online-ed/education-degrees/edd-vs-phd/ .
• “School/District Administrators,” National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), accessed November 24, 2021, https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/training-technical-assistance/rol… .
• “Career Options & Opportunities with an EdD Degree: Resilient Educator,” ResilientEducator.com, accessed November 24, 2021, https://resilienteducator.com/degrees/career-options-edd-degree/ .

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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Description of program.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Educational Leadership (EdL) is a practitioner-researcher degree designed to prepare educational leaders who desire to improve educational practice across private and public sectors of PK-12, higher education, military, and corporate learning organizations. You will acquire skills to ethically address the complex problems within educational practice using data-driven decision-making and other conceptual frames linking systematic inquiry with innovative solutions. The degree culminates in the completion of empirical research with direct implications for educational practice.

Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at  http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12 .

Click here for potential career opportunities within the EdD-EdL.

Learning Outcomes

• Illustrate effective educational leadership vision and integrity through strategic planning involving data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practice
• Determine the aspects of professional capacity and resource needs for a quality professional learning community within a sector-specific learning organization
• Develop effective leadership traits to improve educational practice across diverse learning organizations within public and private sectors
• Devise informed evidence-based solutions to address a complex problem from educational practice
• Conduct empirical research to address a complex problem within educational practice

Basis for Admissions

Admission requires a conferred post-baccalaureate master’s degree and/or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership (EdL) requires 54 credit hours for degree completion. Coursework includes foundations, educational leadership, research methods, the pre-candidacy prospectus, and the dissertation. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete dissertation research in alignment with the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Academic Maximum Time Frame policies. Students who do not complete their program within these requirements may be dismissed.

The EdD-EdL degree program has the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 42 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credits accepted by the University
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Presentation completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma

The University may accept up to 12 semester credit hours earned with a grade of “B” or better for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university and evaluated to be substantially equivalent in content with the required course work for the EdD-EdL program.

Note:  Students who complete the University’s EdS program may be eligible to apply up to 30 credits from the EdS program to the Sanford College of Education’s Doctoral programs. School Dean (or their designee) approval is required to determine number of applicable credit hours from EdS to the selected doctoral program.

Dissertation Completion Pathway

The University’s mission is dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic aspirations and helping them become valuable contributors to their community and profession. To support our mission, the University now offers a dissertation completion pathway for students who have successfully completed their doctoral coursework and achieved doctoral candidacy at a previous institution but were unable to complete their dissertation. The University’s Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their doctorate in one of the doctoral programs offered at the University (excluding the PhD in MFT, DMFT, and DNP). Students successfully meeting the entrance and application requirements will complete a minimum of 23 credit hours to earn their doctorate.

Click below for more information on the Dissertation Completion Pathway   .

Time to Completion

The University allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 41 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 35 months.

Certification and Licensing

The Sanford College of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The EdD-EdL program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country.

Dissertation Process

Faculty assists each Doctoral student to reach this high goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Course Sequence

This program can be completed with a minimum of 54 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation research. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed. The EdD-EDL has two specializations (PK-12 and Higher Education). All EdD-EDL students will take the first two introductory courses and will then take their remaining specialization courses (four required and two electives courses) within the PK-12 specialization, and EdD-EDL students in Higher Education will then take their remaining specialization courses (four required and two electives courses) within the Higher Education specialization.  All EdD-EDL students, regardless of specialization, will then take a series of research courses, a comprehensive examination course, and a series of dissertation courses.

• EDU-8050 - Foundations of Advanced Graduate Study and Research
• EDU-8060 - Foundations of Academic Writing, Conceptual & Theoretical Frameworks

Required Specialization Courses: 

• Specialization Course 1
• Specialization Course 2
• Specialization Course 3
• Specialization Course 4
• Specialization Course 5
• Specialization Course 6
• EDR-8200 - Scholarly Literature Review
• EDR-8300 - The Research Process
• EDR-8201 - Statistics I
• EDR-8400 - Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Designs      - or -  EDR-8500 - Advanced Quantitative Methodology and Designs      
• EDR-8206 - Applied Qualitative Analysis     - or -  EDR-8202 - Statistics II     
• CMP-9602E - Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
• DIS-9911A - Applied Doctoral Introduction
• DIS-9912A - Applied Doctoral Proposal
• DIS-9913A - Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
• DIS-9914A - Applied Doctoral Manuscript

Higher Education Specialization

Specialization courses - 18 credit hours.

Required Specialization Courses: 

• EDL-9000 - Educational Leadership Theories
• EDL-9100 - Leadership for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
• LHE-7300 - Legal Issues in Higher Education
• LHE-7600 - Strategic Planning and Operations in Higher Education

Select Two of the Following:

• LHE-7200 - Student Services in Higher Education
• LHE-7400 - Academic Program and Curriculum Development in Higher Education
• LHE-7500 - Financial Considerations in Higher Education
• OL-7100 - Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• OL-7102 - Leadership Ethics to Attain Organizational Excellence
• EDL-9500 - Innovation for Change in Educational Organizations

PK-12 Specialization

Required Specialization Courses:

• EDL-9200 - Leadership, Supervision, and Personnel in PK-12 Education
• EDL-9300 - Legal Issues in PK-12 Education
• EDL-9400 - PK-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• EDL-9600 - Policy Development & Implementation in PK-12 Education
• EDL-9700 - Finance & Budgeting in PK-12 Education
• SEM-7300 - Leadership Paradigms in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
• TRA-7100 - Trauma-Informed Educational Practices within Community Contexts and Conditions
• SEL-7600 - Comprehensive Planning for SEL Initiatives
• SE-7300 - Leadership, Law, and Finance in Special Education

Types of Doctorate Degrees

• January 12, 2023

There are many types of doctorate degrees available, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before deciding. This article will discuss the different types of doctorate degrees and their optimal benefits.

We’ll also give you a list of the most common doctorate degrees and explain them. So read on to learn more about the different types of doctorate degrees and how they can benefit you!

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Note: There are many different doctorates available, and they all have their own unique functions, but we’ve mentioned some of the most popular ones here.

There are many doctorates covered in the table, which are divided into different types; let’s discuss them in detail:  

Academic Doctorates

There are a variety of types of academic doctorates, each with its own focus and requirements. These include the basic Ph.D., which is awarded for original research in traditional academic subjects, and more specialized doctoral degrees, such as the MD or DDS. 

Academic Doctorates are higher education degrees, typically earned after a student has completed a bachelor’s degree and completed a graduate program in an academic field.

Academic Doctorates may be earned in any area of study, but are most commonly awarded in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and health professions. They are often considered to be the highest level of education attainable after a bachelor’s degree.

Regardless of the type of degree you pursue, an academic doctorate will help you develop a sharper theoretical understanding, broaden your knowledge base, and open many doors to pursuing a career in academia or research.

Professional Doctorates

Professional doctorates awarded for work in a specific vocational field can involve original research and analysis, but also more practical instruction. Candidates may require appropriate experience to qualify.

A professional doctorate is a graduate degree equipping you with the knowledge and skills to practice as a doctor. It can be obtained in various disciplines, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. 

Professional doctorates are often sought-after by employers because they signify that you have completed a rigorous academic program and have reached a high level of expertise in your field.

They also offer opportunities for career growth, as you can move up in your profession by completing additional training or pursuing a specialization.

Professional Doctorates are a highly coveted credential, often required for many careers in the medical field. They are also an important part of the higher education system and can give you a major leg up in your career .

Higher Doctorates

Higher doctorates are often awarded to esteemed researchers or practitioners later in their careers to recognize their distinguished work. Students normally do not enroll for these doctorates as traditional university degrees.

Higher Doctorates are doctorate degrees that take longer to complete than a Doctorate of Science or Doctorate of Medicine. They are typically conferred on academic professionals who have achieved distinguished research accomplishments in their field.

Higher Doctorates may also be conferred on other academic professionals, such as teachers, who have distinguished themselves by excellence in their field.

It is one of the highest honors that an individual can achieve in his or her field of study.

Honorary Doctorates

Honorary Doctorates are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their academic or professional work. They can be granted at a university’s discretion and do not require any specific track record.

An honorary doctorate is an honorary degree conferred by a university, college, or other institution of higher education. These degrees are not considered equivalent to different degrees, such as a doctorate or a Ph.D.

An honorary doctorate is often given to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the field in which the university is located or to society at large.

These degrees are awarded at the discretion of the awarding institution based on their evaluation process for conferring honorary doctorates. 

Key Takeaways:

• Students’ focus should be on finding the right degree program for them and ensuring they research which type of doctorate degree would best suit their career goals.
• Before committing to a doctorate degree, make sure you fully understand your options and what you want out of an educational experience.
• Higher doctorates can provide you with skills and expertise in a specific field, which may be useful for later in your career.
• They can also give you the bragging rights that come with having an illustrious academic degree for sure.

DPhil vs PhD

If you want to study for a doctoral degree, the two most common options are the DPhil or Ph.D. DPhil, is an abbreviation of ‘Doctor of Philosophy.

However, these terms are not different degrees – they’re simply different ways of referring to the same thing!

A DPhil is a prestigious Doctor of Philosophy award that is generally used by British universities (notably, the University of Oxford).

PhDs are equivalent internationally, but most universities around the world use the term ‘Ph.D’. Both degrees are highly respected and demonstrate your expertise in your field.

Types of Doctorate Degrees in Healthcare

There are several doctorate degrees that apply to the health professions. The most well-known is the M.D./D.O., which is a professional doctorate. Other doctorates include the clinical doctorate, which is for doctors who want to do research; and the research doctorate, which is for doctors who want to do scholarship in their field of study.

Types of doctoral degrees in education

If you are interested in pursuing a career as an administrator in education, it may be helpful to pursue a doctoral degree.

Doctoral degrees in educational administration, counselor education, and music education can provide insight into the workings of schools and help you develop strategies for improving learning environments.

• Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Degree
• Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration
• Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Community Counseling
• Doctoral Degree Program in Education
• Doctoral Degree Program in Instructional Leadership

Types of medical doctor degrees

There are three types of doctorates that can be earned in the health professions: the professional doctorate, the clinical doctorate, and the research doctorate.

A professional doctorate is typically obtained by those who have completed a graduate degree in medical science or osteopathy.

A clinical doctorate is usually earned by those who have completed a doctoral program in medicine or homeopathy, or a research doctorate is awarded to researchers who have demonstrated work in scholarly. 

8 CHEAP US COLLEGES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN 2024

• January 28, 2024

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School of Education

High rankings reflect strong graduate programs at the iu school of education.

By Catherine Winkler

Tuesday, April 09, 2024

The IU School of Education has been recognized again as one of the best graduate schools in education across the country by U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-2025 “Best Graduate Schools .”

Overall, the IU School of Education is ranked #34, two spots higher than last year, with eight graduate specialty programs ranked in the top 20. All specialty programs rose in rankings compared to last year.

“Our graduate programs contribute groundbreaking research and work that advances education around the world, and these rankings are evidence of both that hard work and our dedication to these programs,” said IU School of Education Dean Anastasia Morrone .

“Graduate programs across the School of Education are held in very high regard, which is a reflection of the stellar research, education, and outreach done by our faculty and alumni around the globe,” said Thomas Nelson Laird , Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.

• Student Counseling and Personal Service - #3
• Elementary Education - #5
• Higher Education Administration #9
• Secondary Education - #8
• Curriculum and Instruction - #14
• Educational Psychology - #18
• Educational Administration and Supervision - #14
• Education Policy - #18

Graduate programs at the School of Education prepare students for careers that make a difference through education fields or other professions. From working in schools and public institutions to jobs in government, corporate environments and technology companies, our graduates affect change and make the world a better place through their work. Many of these programs are also offered online, making them a flexible option for professionals looking to further their education.

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College of Education grad program ranks in Top 40 among U.S. public universities

The Purdue University College of Education ranks #48 in 2024 Best Education Schools – Graduate  Education , according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Apr. 9. This is an increase from #49 in 2023.

Education is among the five top-ranked academic disciplines at Purdue ranked by the USNWR .

“We are #2 in Indiana, and in the top 19% nationally,” said Wayne E. Wright , College of Education associate dean for research, graduate programs, and faculty development.

This ranking places Purdue’s College of Education graduate program in the Top 40 among U.S. public universities, at #37.

“While this is a very small improvement over our ranking last year, it is evidence that our graduate programs are strengthening — especially in the area of research,” said Phillip J. VanFossen , interim dean of the College. “In fact, the College has one of the highest levels of research productivity at Purdue.”

“We are thrilled to see our graduate program move even higher in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Rankings,” Wright said. “We truly have outstanding programs and faculty who are dedicated to teaching and providing our students with highest quality education.”

U.S. News & World Report is a recognized leader in ranking colleges, programs, and graduate schools. Each year, Purdue’s College of Education strives to continually improve its programs and relies on the rankings to help promote and serve as a recruiting tool for prospective students seeking a quality online educational experience.

U.S. News and World Report rankings of the 2024 Best Graduate Schools – Education programs https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/purdue-university-main-campus-06068   

Source: Wayne E. Wright, [email protected]

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Demystifying Graduate Degrees: Comparing Master’s vs. Doctorate

You want a graduate degree — to continue exploring your passions, make discoveries or advance your career — but how do you turn that decision into a plan?

It starts with understanding the difference between a master’s and a PhD in your field. They differ in length, intensity, curriculum and career paths, so you’ll also need a clear idea of why you want to pursue a graduate degree to determine which one you should get.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

If you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, it might be time to ask, “What’s next?”

That’s where Master’s degrees can come in.

Whether you want to specialize in a particular area or get advanced skills in your profession, a master’s degree can help you get there in 1-2 years.

The most common types of master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Science (MS),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA),
• Master of Education (MEd),
• and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). 

What do you learn in a master’s program?

The short answer? A lot.

Master’s degree programs are designed to build on the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies, and the curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Here’s what you can expect to encounter in a master’s program:

Advanced coursework:  Master's programs provide advanced courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies. These courses delve deeper into specific topics within your field and often explore the latest research and developments. 

Specialization:  One of the primary goals of a master's program is to allow you to specialize in a particular area. Whether pursuing a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or a professional degree like an MBA, you can focus your studies on a specific subfield or concentration within your discipline. 

Research and analysis:   Many master's programs require you to engage in research projects and analytical work. This could involve conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor or participating in group research projects with fellow students. Through these research experiences, you’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn how to gather and evaluate relevant data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Practical applications and internships:  Some master's programs incorporate practical training opportunities like internships, practicums, or field experiences; hands-on experiences allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings.

Collaboration and networking:  A Master's program is a rich collaboration and networking environment. Collaborative projects, group discussions, and professional events allow you to exchange ideas and build connections within your field, often leading to long-lasting professional relationships and potential career opportunities.

Thesis project:   Outside of building skills like project management, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication, thesis projects in master's degree programs serve as a cornerstone for building advanced skills, expanding professional networks, and contributing to the body of knowledge in your respective field. 

Why get a master’s degree?

Career advancement: One primary advantage of getting a master’s degree is an edge in the job market. Employers value the specialized knowledge and advanced skills that come with a master’s degree, opening up new and exciting career opportunities.  The cherry on top? Individuals with a master’s degree often earn more than those without an advanced degree — you can take that to the bank, especially if you set yourself up for financial success during your studies. Flexibility: Another aspect to consider is the flexibility that a master’s degree offers. Many programs offer part-time or online options, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments.  This flexibility can be particularly helpful if you’re already established in your career but want to gain additional qualifications.  Growth opportunities: Depending on your field, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone toward a PhD or other doctoral programs. It gives you a solid foundation in research methods and academic rigor — a boon if you want to pursue a career in academia or conduct advanced research.

What is a Doctoral Degree or PhD?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — it represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and is the most advanced degree you can attain. Doctoral students want to become authorities in their chosen fields and develop the skills to conduct independent and original research. 

Doctoral programs usually span 3-6 years of full-time study, during which students complete advanced coursework, pass comprehensive examinations, engage in extensive research and ultimately produce a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. 

There are several types of doctoral degrees based on different academic and professional aspirations, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Doctor of Education (EdD),
• And Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), among others. 

What do you learn in a doctoral program?

When you successfully defend your dissertation and complete your degree, you also become an expert in your field — but it doesn’t happen overnight. Here's what you can expect to encounter in a doctoral program:

Advanced research: If you’re looking for a hard emphasis on research, a doctoral program is the place to be. Over several years, PhD students engage in extensive research activities — including conducting independent research, producing scholarly publications, and contributing to the knowledge base of their field through original research contributions.

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks:  PhDs are an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in your field of study. You'll critically analyze existing theories, evaluate their applicability, and develop your theoretical frameworks to advance knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of research.

Advanced methodological training:  Because a dissertation is an original research project, you’ll gain advanced training in research methodologies and data analysis techniques, like designing robust research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing valid and reliable conclusions from your research findings.

Critical thinking and intellectual independence: Both academia and industry employers highly value independent thinkers and workers. Doctoral programs foster critical thinking and intellectual independence by challenging you to evaluate existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose innovative research ideas. Teaching and Mentoring Experience: Being a teacher or mentor is a great opportunity to share your hard-earned knowledge, and universities agree. Doctoral programs often provide opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students, develop effective pedagogical skills, and contribute to the academic community.

Dissertation project:  Your dissertation is the culmination of years of hard work within your field. By enrolling in a doctoral program, you’re also given the chance to participate in a significant and original research endeavor that demonstrates the expertise you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

Why Get a Doctorate?

Having a doctorate doesn’t just open doors; it can kick them down. A doctorate might be right for you if you’re looking for a door to these things:

Expertise and specialization:  Doctoral degrees can be a labor of love. They help you delve deeper into a specific subject area, gaining expertise and specialization.

Research opportunities:  Extensive research training, opportunities for conducting original research, and contributing new knowledge to the academic community — these three things make a doctorate coveted by students, universities, and employers.

Salary potential and career advancement: In some fields, having a doctorate can lead to higher earning potential and increased salary opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , doctoral degree holders made an average of $1,885 per week in 2020, while master’s degree holders made an average of $1,545 per week.

Contribution to society:  Doctoral research often addresses pressing societal issues, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of society — for many students, contributing to the greater good is just as rewarding as career advancement or personal development.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

You might have heard “thesis” and “dissertation” used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Here are the general distinctions to consider:

• A thesis is usually associated with a master's degree program. Students undertake a research project in the final stage of their degree.
• It typically involves conducting original research or analyzing existing research to answer a specific research question.
• The length of a thesis varies based on the field and program requirements, but it’s usually shorter than a dissertation.

Dissertation:

• A dissertation is typically associated with a doctoral degree program. It is an extensive, in-depth research project that marks the culmination of a doctoral program.
• in-depth exploration of a research topic
• comprehensive literature review
• methodology section
• data collection and analysis
• substantive discussion of findings and conclusions.
• Dissertations are usually longer than theses and may take several years to complete.
• Once you’ve completed your dissertation, you participate in a formal defense of the research, where you’ll present your findings to a committee of experts in the field.

Key Differences: Master's vs. PhD

Deciding between master's vs. phd programs.

“Should I get a master’s degree or a PhD?”

Answering that question can be exciting — and a bit intimidating. You must consider long-term career objectives, personal interests, and the time you can commit. Plus, the level of specialization you wish to achieve based on your career path is also a factor. Typically, a PhD is a prerequisite for those aspiring to research careers in academia, while professional roles in various industries may require only a master's degree. 

It’s still worth noting that students have the option of completing a master's degree first and then, based on their experiences and career aspirations, deciding whether to pursue a PhD.

Find the right graduate degree at SMU 

A graduate degree is a big investment, so investing in the right program is important.

SMU offers a diverse array of master's and PhD programs tailored to align with your unique interests and career goals, and personalized support, from the applicant to the graduate, is always available. 

Whether you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Chemistry or are almost finished with your MBA, we can help you find the right advanced degree.

This could just be the beginning of your journey. Get a closer look at applying to graduate programs of your choice with our guide, How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs .

Learn More About

Doctoral degrees at SMU, and how you can choose the right program and thrive in it, in our Guide to Getting a PhD.

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A Hippocratic oath for teachers

As USC Rossier prepares to celebrate the Class of 2024, professor Nooshan Ashtari shares words of wisdom with future educators. 

During the last class of each semester, after my students wrap up their coursework and we look back on our time together throughout the term, I cannot help but be in awe of all that my wonderful students have accomplished. I also cannot help but wonder what their futures may hold for them. Some might end up teaching for decades, some might teach for a few years or even months, and then switch to other careers as the human-made world keeps on putting immense amounts of pressure on some of the most essential treasures: teachers and the art of teaching and learning. 

As I take one of the last looks at my students before we end the term, I take a deep breath and try to imagine all of their professional futures to be fulfilling and fruitful. I have taught internationally for over 22 years, the last 14 years of which in higher education and teacher training. My career as an educator and researcher has been full of ups and downs, tears and laughter, and I hope my students’ careers will be more upward thrills than downward horrors. 

Over the years, I have seen family members and friends take the Hippocratic oath at their graduation ceremonies in countries around the world, and I have always appreciated it deeply. Inspired by Hippocrates and his writings, the Hippocratic oath is an oath of ethics new physicians take. It requires physicians to swear to uphold ethical standards in the highest regard while treating patients throughout their careers. After searching for something to mark each course’s end and acknowledge the future journey teachers are about to embark on, I developed “The Hippocratic oath for current and future teachers.” 

Before I say goodbye to my students, I share this oath, which I have adapted from various versions of the modern Hippocratic oath:

After the students and I finish looking over the lines, we sometimes reflect on what our paths have been like up to this point and the possibilities for our futures. We share contact information that is not solely connected with one university or institution to make sure we stay in touch, even when life might take us in different directions.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote in The Little Prince in a conversation between a young, wandering prince from a small asteroid called B-612 and a flower with three petals that the prince meets in a desert, humans are always in transition, “But you never know where to find them. The wind blows them away. They have no roots, which hampers them a good deal.” 

Sometimes, I hear back from some of my students years or even decades later; sometimes I don’t hear from them at all, but one thing that remains the same for all of us is our belief that teaching is truly a work of heart and learning is an inseparable part of the human experience. May the path of teaching be remarkable for all of our current and future teachers, and may the path of learning be limitless for all of us residents of planet Earth and beyond.  

• Nooshan Ashtari

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• Commencement

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UT Austin College of Education Ranks Among Best Graduate Schools in the Nation

The College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin soared eight positions in this year’s U.S. News & World Report  Best Graduate School Rankings  and now sits at #4 among public schools, #8 overall and among the top 10 best education schools in the country. Four programs moved up as well with nine programs ranked in the top 20 and six ranked in the top 10, including Educational Administration, Education Policy, Educational Psychology and Special Education.

“In the College of Education we take very seriously our commitment to teach innovatively, conduct groundbreaking research and reimagine the education and health landscape,” said Charles R. Martinez, Jr., dean of the College of Education at UT Austin. “The recent rankings reflect our success and commitment to those principles, and to ensuring our students receive the highest quality education to go out and make a positive impact in the world. I am very proud of our entire College of Education community whose hard work and dedication drives our rankings year over year.”

The college’s Kinesiology and Health Education programs also rank highly, with its doctoral program in kinesiology earning the #6 spot from the Academy of Kinesiology and the  Master of Education in Sport Management (Online)  also ranking #6 by Sports Degrees Online’s Best Sport Management Programs for 2024-25.

College of Education USN&WR specialty rankings:

• No. 5 in Educational Administration and Supervision
• No. 6 in Educational Psychology
• No. 7 in Special Education
• No. 9 in Education Policy
• No. 10 in Elementary Teacher Education (tied)
• No. 10 in Secondary Teacher Education (tied)
• No. 12 in Curriculum & Instruction
• No. 14 in Higher Education Administration
• No. 15 in Student Counseling & Personnel Services

USN&WR ranks colleges and schools across the country on a variety of factors, including peer assessment data, research funding and statistical indicators.

View more of the college’s national rankings and demographics

View all UT Austin 2024-2025 USN&WR rankings

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Navigating Excellence: How a Doctorate in Leadership Can Transform Your Career

Completing an online doctorate in leadership can open doors to remarkable career transformations. However, this educational journey goes beyond acquiring skills and fosters profound personal growth.

A good EdD leadership program explores leadership dynamics and blends theory with real-world applications. Graduates emerge with enhanced skills and a nuanced understanding of organizational complexities. It doesn’t just propel careers forward; it sparks a complete transformation—shaping individuals with deep insights, visionary leadership and readiness for future challenges.

The EdD Advantage

Creighton’s online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership (EdD) has developed emergent leaders for over a decade. The program’s innovative plan of study builds on reflective practice, rigorous scholarship and unwavering support. To help students navigate an online doctorate in leadership, Creighton developed a program that aligns with the specific ambitions of each learner, ensuring that the journey isn’t a standardized trek but a personalized journey toward excellence.

Creighton’s vibrant online community prepares individuals to collaborate and thrive. We foster a learning space where faculty and students bring their diverse life experiences, unique perspectives and knowledge to conversations founded in real-life scenarios. It’s not just “sage on the stage” instruction. Our commitment is to learn from one another, building interdisciplinary understanding and growth.

Real-world Balancing Act

Pursuing a doctorate in leadership is unique because it is intended to fit into your active everyday life and career. Your work experiences shape your learning, and your point of view adds value to your peers, creating a transformative journey for any future leader.

Captain Kathryn “Kat” Wijnaldum , EdD’19, worked to balance her studies with a busy military career and family commitments. She showed determination, studying even during her kids’ baseball games. With good time management and support from her family and Navy leadership, she successfully finished her doctoral work.

As the Officer in Charge of the Surface Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team for the U.S. Navy, Captain Wijnaldum says, “I had a leadership team that supported me in balancing education with work. My military detailers gave me flexibility, ensuring I finished my dissertation before taking on my ship executive officer role.”

Real-world Impact

The effectiveness of any leadership doctoral program is best gauged by its impact on its graduates. Creighton’s EdD turns theory into practical success. Zoran Grabovac , EdD'22, shapes privacy at John Deere’s Moline headquarters, crediting the program for enhancing his ethical decision-making.

His expertise lies in ensuring the company aligns seamlessly with global privacy laws, maintaining meticulous compliance. Reflecting on his EdD journey, Grabovac notes the program instills ethical decision-making frameworks, prompting graduates to contemplate the implications of their decisions on people and fostering a more thoughtful approach. He adds, “Decisions are made with a comprehensive review of the impact on stakeholders such as the organization, communities, employees, the environment, customers and others who may be impacted. We all share an ecosystem; balance is needed for the ecosystem to continue to be healthy and thrive.”

Rebecca Rivera , EdD’16, was drawn to pursue a doctorate to continue teaching criminal justice, which is her passion and area of professional expertise. She sought an online program that would accommodate her research interests. “I was looking for a school that could meet my needs. I was a single mom of a teenage boy. I worked full-time. I also still taught part-time, so I wasn’t in a position where I could sit in a physical class.”

Additionally, she chose Creighton for its mission fit and welcoming culture. She readily admits to trepidation in her readiness. “When I got to residency, I parked my car, got out, and was like, ‘I’m going home. I’m not smart enough. These people are smarter than I am. I can’t be here. What am I thinking?’” After driving all that distance, she decided she would give it a chance. “Immediately, Creighton was so inclusive, and they made you feel accepted and welcomed. They made you feel like you were able to obtain your doctoral degree, and so that really sealed the deal for me.”

Benefits of an EdD

When Kat Wijnaldum graduated from the Naval Academy and began her career as a Surface Warfare Officer, she knew she wanted to lead and make an impact. After early command experience, she realized she needed new skills to reach higher leadership roles and properly develop her crews. That motivated her to pursue her EdD in Leadership from Creighton while serving full-time in the Navy on the Joint Staff.

Grabovac added, “I believed in the structure of the program. It was very focused on the practical application of theory instead of just studying the theory itself.” The ability to apply what he would learn to real-life leadership challenges attracted Zoran to the program. “The research broadens your perspective, and you start to understand the people and events based on the experiences of their past.”

Influence on Skill Development

Grabovac says the program enhanced his writing and ethical decision-making. “Writing was a big piece–you definitely become a better writer.” He believes the program changed how he thinks, communicates, makes decisions, and leads. It improved his practical skills, such as research, communicating succinctly, and connecting ideas.

Captain Wijnaldum credits Creighton for teaching her “how to communicate effectively and manage a lot in a small amount of time and still remain effective.” More importantly, she directly applied her new knowledge and skills on duty. She notes: “I could apply recommendations I had put in that dissertation. And my people thrived. (Our command) received retention excellence awards.”

Navigating the Dissertation Journey

Central to Creighton’s EdD program is a distinctive dissertation in practice that allows you to share your findings as a scholar and practitioner promptly. Our approach to this dissertation ensures the immediate application of your findings. You’ll receive support throughout finishing your dissertation, with the intentionality that guides you successfully across the finish line. Your work will contribute to academic knowledge and address leadership issues in the real world.

Rivera’s nationally published research made a significant impact. She uses her Creighton training to inform the criminal justice system, championing a philosophy of changing cultural ideology by understanding it from a restorative perspective. She has mentored those with incarceration histories and thinks, “Because I am a person of color and also a female, I have inspired women leaving prison and people of color to see that we can make it.”

Wijnaldum shared her experience. “Creighton taught me how to do the research. If I can substantiate [recommendations] by facts and communicate them in an executable plan, anyone can run with it.” She adds, “The Creighton experience taught me how to communicate effectively, quickly, sometimes succinctly or sometimes with great depth. They understand what I’m recommending.”

Crafting Careers

Clearly, the Creighton EdD expanded Captain Wijnaldum’s skillset and propelled her upward mobility. But more importantly, it enabled her to fulfill her original purpose: to invest in and develop crews properly. “I’ve had sailors contact me, and one of my officers thanked me for demonstrating what right looks like from a leadership standpoint. That was really encouraging.”

Rivera adds, “It catapulted me into the career that I wanted. I saw myself with the additional perks of being published and doing some really great things like writing courses and helping prisons create educational programs, things I would have never thought in a million years that I would see myself doing.”

Does Your Journey Lead through Creighton?

For those considering a doctoral degree in leadership, Grabovac emphasizes that “there is never a perfect or better time to start.” His advice? “Just jump right in. Enjoy the journey. You can rely on phenomenal support from the faculty and your fellow students.” He also advises clearly communicating your goals to family and friends, so they understand the commitment required.

For Rivera, Creighton’s supportive approach helped her realize her potential. “This program will work for you, and while intense, it’ll be worth every bit of everything you went through to get there.” She emerged living her dream, with teaching positions allowing her to research criminal justice “and the opportunity to help leadership make those transitions in law enforcement from punishment to accountability.” Her heartfelt dedication epitomizes Creighton’s mission of empowering students to transform themselves and the world.

We are proud that our students continue to make a difference in their communities and across the globe every day.

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